ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team (9-9, 7-6 NACC) played hard tonight but unfortunately lost a close battle to the MSOE Raiders (11-7, 8-5 NACC) 87-80. Both teams were evenly matched and playing well, keeping the game close. There were a total of nine lead changes in the game. The playing statistics prove how even both teams were with Rockford shooting 48.5% from the field and MSOE shooting 48.3% from the field. Some other notable comparisons were Rockford having 31 rebounds and 21 turnovers compared to MSOE's 39 rebounds and 20 turnovers. Nathaniel Shead had a great night, scoring 24 points. Jamar Rivera added 17 points and Kivontay Shaw helped out with a double-double, scoring 10 points with 10 assists. However, the Regents could not hold on late in the game falling 87-80.

• Rockford started out strong with P.J. Gray III scoring the first four points of the game with two layups, making it 4-0.
• MSOE jumped in front 5-4 with a made 3-point basket.
• The Raiders went on a 3-0 scoring run, increasing the lead 10-6 with 16:21 left in the first half.
• Both teams were trading baskets back and forth. The Regents were struggling to pull ahead being down 19-15 with 13:09 left to play in the first half.
• The Regents came to life when Brandon Emerick and Ashton Singleton hit consecutive 3-pointers to tie it 21-21 with 12:20 left in the first half.
• MSOE took back the lead by scoring two quick times putting them ahead 26-23.
• Rockford tied it again after a 3-point jumper by Nathaniel Shead to make it 26-26.
• The Raiders took advantage of seven scoring opportunities, while the Regents only came away with one during that run. MSOE created a sizable lead with the score being 40-28 and 4:28 left in the first half.
• Rockford went on a 3-1 scoring run capped off by an impressive 3-point basket by Brandon Emerick to close the gap. The Raiders still led 42-35 with 2:19 left in the first half.
• After some baskets being traded between the two teams, the Regents went into halftime down 48-39.
• Kivontay Shaw started the second half off in a big way for the Regents, sinking a 3-pointer with the Regents trailing 48-42.
• Rockford took the lead 51-50, after going on a 3-0 scoring run highlighted by Brandon Emerick's fadeaway 3-point jumper.
• MSOE answered with a 3-0 scoring run of its own, regaining the lead 55-51.
• The Regents were brought within one point when Kivontay Shaw drained a deep 3-point basket. Rockford still trailed 55-54 with 15:41 left in the second half.
• The Raiders were able to sustain the lead 63-58 with 12:35 left to play.
• Ashton Singleton came through for the Regents, keeping it close with a 3-pointer. The Regents trailed 63-61with 12:18 left in the game.
• Rockford was not giving up and finally took back the lead when Nathaniel Shead hit a clutch 3-point basket to put the Regents over the Raiders 72-20 with 6:08 left to play.
• MSOE sank a 3-pointer to go up73-72, but Rockford's P.J. Gray III came right back with a layup to put the Regents up 74-73.
• The Raiders made a couple of free-throws to take the lead 75-74.
• Vincent Eugene was able to hit a free-throw to tie it 75-75 for the Regents.
• However, MSOE went on a 7-1 scoring run to create some space, leading 86-77 with 19 seconds left in the game.
• Ashton Singleton hit a 3-pointer to decrease the deficit 86-80, but MSOE went on to win 87-80.

• Nathaniel Shead finished with a team-high 24 points. He also had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds.
• Kivontay Shaw recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists. He had a team-leading 10 assists to go along with 5 rebounds and 1 block.
• Jamar Rivera tallied 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. 
• Brandon Emerick scored 11 points with 4 assists and 3 steals.

 The RU men's basketball team returns to the court on Saturday, February 1 against Concordia University Wisconsin. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM in the Seaver Center.