ROCKFORD, Ill. - The RU men's basketball team (10-6, 4-5 NACC) had an exciting showdown against Wisconsin Lutheran (12-5, 7-4 NACC) that ended in the Regent's favor with a final score of 84-80. The game was a shootout from the first tip with both sides running up the score and combining for 12 lead changes throughout the game. The Regents were able to build an advantage in the rebound category 45-37, which led to Rockford being able to convert 18 second chance points compared to the Warrior's six. Brandon Emerick made a huge impact with 25 points in the game, he can also now celebrate tying the NACC record for three-point attempts in a career after he attempted nine and made three in the game.

• Rockford started the game building a lead 9-3 in the first few minutes of the game with makes by Brandon Emerick and Micah Swanson, with a three-pointer by Jaden Bell.
• Rockford held the lead until an 8-0 Wisconsin Lutheran run tied the game at 18 points each. WLC took the lead after a made three-pointer but lost it again shortly after with Brandon Emerick and TJ Lacey recording 5 and 2 points respectively.
• Wisconsin Lutheran would not be denied however, going on another 8-0 run to take a 31-25 lead. Rockford again responded with a 10-2 run to take the lead back from the Warriors and end the half in the lead with the score at 35-33.
• Wisconsin Lutheran came out of the half on a 7-0 run to build a 5-point lead. That lead was once again erased two minutes later when RU went on a 12-4 run to take the lead 47-42.
• Rockford held the lead for the next three minutes when WLC tied the game and took the lead back. Jaden Bell then proceeded to hit a three-pointer to take a two-point lead, only to be met with another Warrior two-pointer that tied the game at 56.
• The Regents spent the next two minutes building another lead. The Regents went on a 11-2 run that resulted in a 9-point lead with Zac Centers leading the scoring with 5 points during the run.
• WLC was not done yet, coming all the way back to take the lead with a 16-6 run.
• What happened next was a game-changer. Zac Centers attempted a three-pointer to take the lead that was rebounded by Micah Swanson; he passed it out to Brandon Emerick who put up a Hail Mary fadeaway three-pointer from the corner and knocked it down to turn the momentum in the Regent's favor and take the lead 76-74. That three-point attempt tied Emerick for the conference record for three-point attempts in a career.
• Wisconsin Lutheran was down 80-77 in the closing 40 seconds of play and had five total three-point attempts to tie the game, but the Warriors were unable to convert. Jaden Bell grabbed the next rebound and after an intentional foul, Bell hit both his free throws to put the game almost out of reach at 82-77.
• The Regents had a scare when a foul on a three-point shot gave WLC three free throws. Wisconsin Lutheran's VanCrete hit all three to pull the game within two at 82-80.
• RU was able to inbound the ball on a deep pass to Brandon Emerick who put in the layup as time expired to seal the Regents victory, 84-80.

• Brandon Emerick had 25 points and tied the NACC career record for three-point attempts. Emerick shot 55.6 percent from the field and grabbed 2 rebounds, recorded an assist, and tallied 4 steals.
• DJ Bonds scored 13 points, including a streak of made baskets that switched the momentum. He also recorded 4 rebounds.
• Micah Swanson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. He also had 3 assists and a block.
• Jaden Bell scored 10 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 6 assists and had a block and a steal. 

The RU men's basketball team will host a Monday night game against NACC opponent St. Norbert. The January 31st game is scheduled for a 7pm tip-off at the Seaver Center.