DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Rockford University men's basketball team (2-1) lost its first game of the season, 103-87, on the road Saturday evening to the Loras College Duhawks (2-0). The Duhawks were in control for much of the evening, leading for over 39 minutes of the game and by as many as 23 points. Rockford did however have its best shooting performance of the season, scoring 87 points on a season-high 47.6% shooting performance, including 34.5% from three-point range. Unfortunately, Loras shot 54.0% from the floor and 47.8% from beyond the arc. The Duhawks also outrebounded Rockford 42-23, which led to a decisive 25-11 edge in second chance points. 

 

• Rockford got off to a quick start in the opening moments of the game. Jaden Bell stole the ball on the opening possession, which led to a TJ Lacey dunk and a 2-0 Regent lead. 
• Loras promptly responded with an 8-0 run over the next two minutes, to grab an early 8-2 lead. 
• The Duhawks' advantage hovered around six points, until Brandon Emerick drained a triple with 15:32 remaining in the first half, to make it a 12-9 game. 
• With Loras still clinging to a 24-20 lead and less than 12 minutes left in the half, the Duhawks scored seven straight points to extend their advantage to double-digits for the first time.
• Loras led by as many as 17 points late in the half, before Rockford closed on a 7-1 over the final 1:03. Brandon Emerick got things started with a three-pointer, and then DJ Bonds closed out the half with a layup at the buzzer, to send the game into the break with Loras holding a 55-44 advantage. 
• Unfortunately, the second half got off to a rocky start for the Regents. Rockford scored just four points over the first six and a half minutes and found themselves now trailing 70-48. 
• Loras would push its lead to as many as 23 points, before Rockford slowly began to chip away. 
• With the Duhawks now leading 88-69, Rockford went on a 7-0 run to make it a 12-point game. Jaden Bell led the way with three points, while Zac Centers and Brandon Emerick each added two points. 
• However, Rockford was unable to get any closer the remainder of the way and fell by a final score of 103-87. 

• Brandon Emerick finished with a game-high 22 points, including draining six 3-pointers. He also added a season-high 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. 
• DJ Bonds tallied a season-high 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal. 
• TJ Lacey finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. 

The RU men's basketball team is on the road on Tuesday, November 16 against Maranatha. Tip-off is set for 7 PM.