ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team (4-2, 2-0 NACC) never trailed during regulation in a tightly contested contest that took overtime to determine a winner. RU outlasted a pesky Edgewood College (1-4, 1-1 NACC) on Tuesday night. The Eagles were able to tie the game four times; three of which were early in the first half. Edgewood would not tie the game again until 20 seconds remaining in the second half to force overtime. The only lead changes would come twice both of which in overtime. Rockford was able to buckle down and come away with a 72-70 OT win. Both sides shot the ball similar as Edgewood was 33.8% from the floor compared to 33.3% for Rockford. The Regents however out rebounded the Eagles 56 to 46.
The first half was a battle as Rockford's biggest lead was only 9 points twice throughout the half. Junior Will Adams (Chicago, Ill.), junior Taylor Krocker (Portage, Wis.), and senior Trae Blumhorst (Mendota, Ill.) played a vital part in the Regents maintaining a lead going into the half. Adams led all scorers with 10 points while Krocker and Blumhorst both contributing 9 points each. Although EC managed to close the gap the Regents entered halftime up 37-34. The Eagles outshot the Regents 48.1% to 34.4% during the first half.
The second half was much like the first as Edewood trailed Rockford but kept within striking distance. While RU was able to pull away twice by 11 points the Eagles never surrendered. EC went on an 8-0 run in the final minutes of the game to tie the game at 58-58 to force overtime. Both teams did not shoot very well in the second half as Edgewood shot 21.9% compared to Rockford's 27.3%.
In overtime Rockford was able to knock down its free throws to come away with the win. Ben Weber (South Beloit, Ill.), Trae Blumhorst and Will Adams all made clutch free throws to help secure the win. A big factor in overtime was the improved shooting from Rockford as they shot 57.1% while Edgewood shot 33.3%.
Rockford had four players score in double-figures on Tuesday. Continuing his solid play was Taylor Krocker who recorded a double-double by scoring a game-high 17 points with 12 rebounds while also recording a steal and an assist. Ben Weber also recorded a double-double as he tallied 13 points with 10 rebounds while recording 3 assists and a steal. Trae Blumhorst finished the night with 15 points while chalking up 9 rebounds, 2 assists and a block. Will Adams tallied 14 points while adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
The RU men's basketball team returns to the court on Saturday, December 2 as it hosts NACC opponent Concordia Chicago. Tip-off is set for 2 PM in the Seaver Center.
