AURORA, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team (7-6, 5-3 NACC) lost a tough game 87-71 to the Aurora University Spartans (4-9, 3-5 NACC). Despite beating the Spartans earlier in the season, the Regents could not pull off the season sweep. However, Rockford still managed to stay in the game to give themselves a chance. Brandon Emerick led the charge for the Regents scoring 23 points. Nathaniel Shead added 14 points, while Jamar Rivera recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

• The Regents were the first to get on the board with a Brandon Emerick layup to make it 2-0.
• The Spartans gained control scoring the next three baskets to take the lead 6-2 with 18:13 left in the first half.
• Aurora executed on some more scoring opportunities to increase the lead 19-14 with 12:44 left in the first half.
• Brandon Emerick hit a big 3-point basket to bring the Regents within two points making it 19-17.
• With 11:22 left in the first half, Jamar Rivera came through for the Regents hitting a jump shot to tie it up at 19-19.
• The Spartans quickly answered, hitting a 3-pointer to jump out in front 22-19.
• After Aurora hit another 3-pointer, Brandon Emerick hit his second 3-point jumper of the game to keep it close. The Regents trailed 25-22 with 10:27 left in the first half.
• Nathaniel Shead made a layup to bring the Regents within a point, the Regents were down 25-24 with 9:30 left to play in the first half. 
• Aurora made a push to increase their lead some more, but Ashton Singleton hit two big 3-pointers to trail the Spartans 33-30 with 7:30 left in the first half.
• The Spartans held a lead for the rest of the first half, closing out the first half with the Regents behind 48-41.
• The Second half started with Aurora maintaining the lead 54-45 with 16:51 left to play in the second half.
• Brandon Emerick ignited the Regents as he made a layup while getting fouled and made the free-throw to complete the and-1. The Regents still trailed the Spartans 54-48.
• With 14:07 left to play in the game, Brandon Emerick hit another 3-pointer to give the Regents momentum. Spartans still held the lead at 58-53.
• The Spartans were trying to pull away but Brandon Emerick kept the Regents in it hitting his fourth 3-point basket of the game for the Regents to trail 60-56.
• Nathaniel Shead got in on the action draining a 3-pointer with 9:06 left in the game. The Spartans led 70-60.
• The Regents were trying to hold on as Zach Little tried to close the gap with a 3-point basket making it 84-71 in favor of the Spartans.
• Unfortunately, the Regents were unable to secure a lead, losing 87-71.

• Brandon Emerick recorded 23 points, 3 assists, a rebound, and a steal.
• Jamar Rivera finished with a double-double. Scoring 10 points with 10 rebounds, while also adding an assist and a steal.
• Nathaniel Shead had 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist.

The RU men's basketball team returns to the court on Wednesday, January 15 at Benedictine University. Tip-off is set for 7 PM.