ROCKFORD, Ill - The Rockford University men's basketball team (6-5, 4-2 NACC) took care of business with a thrilling 82-80 victory against Concordia University Chicago (3-6, 3-3 NACC). Rockford showed tremendous heart by holding on to win by a basket. The Regents were trailing the whole second half until Brandon Emerick made a layup with 5:53 left in the game while getting fouled and making the free-throw to complete the and-1. Rockford proved to be superior by outshooting the Cougars 50% to 45% from the field and 37.5% to 30.6% from beyond the arc. The Regents also outrebounded the Cougars 36 to 33. This afternoon's game was a dog fight with the lead changing 11 times. Ashton Singleton led the charge for the Regents, scoring a season-high 21 points. Jamar Rivera added some pressure with a double-double, scoring 18 points with 12 rebounds. Brandon Emerick added a barrage of scoring with 19 points.

• The Cougars got off to a hot start hitting a 3-point jumper to immediately make it 3-0.
• Rockford got in on the action when Ashton Singleton hit a 3-pointer to take the lead, 5-3.
• Nathaniel Shead followed that up with a triple of his own. The Regents led 8-6 with 17:35 left in the first half.
• After scoring opportunities for both teams, Brandon Emerick proceeded with a 3-point jumper to make it 17-9 in favor of the Regents with 15:25 left in the first half.
• Concordia Chicago answered right back with a 3-pointer to make it 17-12.
• Randy Stegenga increased the lead with a 3-point basket to go up 20-12 with 14:09 left in the first half.
• The Cougars took back the lead after hitting three consecutive 3-pointers making it 28-26 with 8:59 left to play in the first half.
• Nathaniel Shead pulled up for a 3-point basket to bring the Regents within one point. Cougars led 37-36 with 5:39 left in the first half.
• The Regents kept up with the Cougars but were having trouble gaining a lead. Nathaniel Shead hit a big 3-pointer just before halftime, giving the Regents the momentum they needed.
• Concordia Chicago led 53-44 going into halftime.
• In the second half, the Regents came out strong with Nathaniel Shead draining a 3-pointer for the Regents to trail 55-47 at the 19:20 mark in the second half.
• Rockford crept back when Ashton Singleton hit a jumper to bring the Regents within 4 points with the cougars leading 57-53 with 16:32 remaining in the second half.
• Concordia Chicago went on a scoring run with a layup and a 3-point jumper to lead 62-53 with 15:43 left to play.
• Ashton Singleton stopped the Cougars by hitting a deep three making the score 62-56, the Regents trailing with 15:25 left to play in the game.
• Baskets were being traded as both teams executed at a fast pace. Brandon Emerick came through with a layup to bring the Regents within one point making it 65-64 with 13:05 left to play.
• Both teams were playing hard defense not allowing many scoring opportunities. The Regents were able to tie it for the first time in the second half with 6:14 left to play. Ashton Singleton tied it by making a layup to give the Regents life.
• Brandon Emerick took advantage of making a layup while getting fouled and making a free-throw to complete the and-1, giving the Regents a 74-71 lead with 5:53 left in the game.
• Unfortunately, the Cougars answered with a 3-pointer to tie it 74-74 with 5:19 left to play.
• Concordia Chicago took back the lead after two made free-throws, making it 76-74 with 4:33 left to play.
• The Regents did not quit, Brandon Emerick drained a three from deep to regain the lead 77-76 with 3:47 left to play.
• The lead went back and forth as both teams hit jumpers. However, a foul committed by the Regents allowed the Cougars to take an 80-79 lead after both free-throws were made with 1:27 left in the game.
• Jamar Rivera was fouled with 36 seconds remaining. He was able to sink both free-throws giving the Regents an 81-80 lead.
• Justen Kidd was fouled with 11 seconds remaining in the game and was able to hit one out of two free-throws. That was all the Regents needed as they shut the door on the Cougars, winning 82-80.

•  Ashton Singleton finished with a season-high 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.
• Jamar Rivera recorded a double-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block.
• Brandon Emerick tallied 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
• Nathaniel Shead had 14 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds, and an assist. 

 The RU men's basketball team returns to the court on Tuesday, January 7 at Lakeland University. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.