ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team (5-5) would travel to take on the third-ranked team in the country in Augustana College (7-1) on Wednesday night. The Vikings would assert its dominance early on and not allow RU to get back within striking distance as it cruised to a 109-51 victory. AC would play well on both sides of the ball to keep Rockford from gaining any momentum. Augustana shot 56.3% from the floor compared to Rockford's 30.6%. The Vikings put together a complete game as it did well in every aspect of the contest.
The first half was all Augustana as it showed why it is the #3 ranked team in the country. The Vikings opened the game on a 16-4 run before Ben Weber (South Beloit, Ill.) would come down the floor to hit a three to bring Rockford within 9. AC would continue to hit shots as it went on a 20-6 run with under 8 minutes to play in the half. The Vikings would maintain control of the game on both sides of the ball as it went into the half up 59-23. Augustana would shoot lights out in the first half as it was 7-of-9 from beyond the arc. AC would outshoot the Regents from the floor 60% to 28%. Junior Tony Diemer (Rockford, Ill.) would lead Rockford with 7 points in part to making 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
The second half would start out better for Rockford as it exchanged buckets continuously with Augustana. Trae Blumhorst (Mendota, Ill.), Tony Diemer, Ben Weber and Kevin Diemer (Rockford, Ill.) started to light a spark under the Regents in the opening moments of the second half. However, Augustana would make sure not to give the Regents any life as it slowly started to pull away in the second half. Augustana had too much firepower as it saw itself gain an insurmountable lead and walk out with a 109-51 win.
The Regents were led by senior Trae Blumhorst and junior Tony Diemer. Trae Blumhorst accounted for 9 points. Tony Diemer also had 9 points and 6 rebounds. Ben Weber tallied 8 points shooting 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Will Adams chalked up 4 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Kevin Diemer came off the bench registering 4 points and 4 rebounds. Taylor Krocker (Portage, Wis.) also tallied 4 points on the night.
The Regents look to get back to its early season winning ways as it hosts Concordia Wisconsin on Saturday December 16. Tip-off is set for 2 PM.
