ROCKFORD, Ill. The Rockford University men's basketball team (11-13, 9-10 NACC) lost an important NACC matchup 102-89 to Lakeland University (12-12, 10-9 NACC). Rockford struggled to get its offense going as it trailed the Muskies for most of the game. The Regents played tough defense, forcing 17 turnovers. Rockford was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, with 52 points coming from down low compared to Lakeland's 36 points in the paint. Unfortunately, the drastic difference in free-throw percentage contributed to the Regents loss with Rockford shooting 63.6% from the line and Lakeland shooting 81.8% from the line. Vincent Eugene stepped up for the Regents, leading the team with 18 points. Brandon Emerick and Nathaniel Shead contributed to the Regents offense with 15 points each. The Regents need a win this Saturday against Illinois Tech to secure a NACC playoff birth.

• Lakeland started the scoring with a 3-point basket by Carlos Campos, but the Regents Kivontay Shaw knocked down a triple to answer and tie the Muskies 3-3.
• Rockford increased its lead 7-3 with a couple of baskets by Jamar Rivera and Kivontay Shaw.
• However, the Muskies regained the lead by going on a 6-0 scoring run to lead 15-7 with 12:42 left in the first half.
• Rockford traded baskets back and forth with Lakeland, but the Muskies were able to maintain the lead 23-13 with 10:05 left to play in the first half.
• The Regents came within three points of Lakeland after a 4-0 scoring run to trail 23-20. The run was led by Jamar Rivera with five points, while Vincent Eugene accounted for two points.
• The Muskies capitalized on some more scoring opportunities to pull ahead 29-24. Brandon Emerick kept the Regents in it with a huge 3-point jumper for the Rockford to trail by two points, 29-27.
• Addison Bode got in on the action keeping the Regents in contention with a 3-point bucket to stay trailing by two points, 32-30.
• Vincent Eugene was able to tie the game 32-32 for Rockford with a layup and 5:39 left to play in the first half.
• Lakeland created some room with a 4-1 scoring run to take back the lead, 41-34.
• Rockford's Brandon Emerick gave life to the Regents by hitting another 3-point basket. The Regents still trailed 41-37 with 2:59 left in the first half.
• The Muskies offensive charge put them up 49-39 going into the second half.
• To start the second half, Lakeland picked up where it left off with three more scoring opportunities to go up 55-39 over the Regents.
• Nathaniel Shead's 3-point jumper put an end to Lakeland's offensive run, but the Muskies still led 55-42.
• Rockford was unable to gain any ground as they kept trading baskets with Lakeland. Lakeland led 73-52 with 12:58 left in the second half.
• Brandon Emerick created a spark in the offense with a drained 3-pointer to make the score 73-55.
• The Muskies kept the pressure on the Regents with a 5-1 scoring run to lead 85-59 with 8:40 left in the game.
• Rockford answered with a 4-1 scoring run. The Regents gained ground but still trailed 87-67.
• Vincent Eugene sank a couple of 3-pointers down the stretch for the Regents, but the Muskies offense was relentless going on to win 102-89.

• Vincent Eugene finished with a team-high 18 points and 6 assists. He also had 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block.
• Brandon Emerick recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Emerick currently leads the NACC with 88 made 3-point baskets and 77 steals on the season.
• Nathaniel Shead tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist.

The RU men's basketball team returns to the court on Saturday, February 22 for its last game against Illinois Tech. Tip-off is set for 2 PM in the Seaver Center.