ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team (9-3, 3-2 NACC) started off 2022 in the win column after moving the ball extremely well against Aurora University (3-8, 2-3 NACC) and earning an 81-54 victory. It was a difficult first half for both sides as they struggled to knock down shots. The second half was another story though, as the Regents developed a great passing game and converted on numerous opportunities off turnovers and fast breaks. With the win, Rockford recorded its largest margin of victory against Aurora since the two schools joined the NACC (27 points) and moved back above .500 in conference play. 

• The first two minutes of the game started on a 5-2 Rockford run and the next basket, a three-pointer, came at the 15:16 mark.
• Aurora roared back to take the lead however, going on its own 8-0 run to go up 12-8.
• The Regents spent the next 8 minutes trying to reclaim the lead, only to split a 15-15 run with the Spartans.
• The last 3:23 of the first half saw Rockford end on a 9-4 run, finishing out the half on a high note, taking the lead 32-31.
•  The second half was all Rockford, kicking it off with a 13-4 run hitting 5-of-5 shots including three-pointers by Brandon Emerick (1) and Zac Centers (2).
• The middle portion of the second half was very balanced between the two teams, Rockford leading the run 10-9.
• After leading by ten or more, the Regents built up to their first 20-point lead of the game, 66-46. An entire list of Regents contributed to the run, including Micah Swanson with four.
• Rockford built up to its largest lead of the game (28 points) off a 15-5 run, Zac Centers hit two more three-pointers to lead the run, but the Regents led the Spartans 81-53.
• Aurora managed one more free throw at the 30 second mark, and finally Charles Burnell ran the clock out to give Rockford the win 81-54.

• Micah Swanson led the Regents in scoring, shooting 70 percent from the field and finishing with 16 points. Swanson also grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 4 assists and recorded a block and a steal.
• TJ Lacey recorded 8 points and was on the glass with 7 rebounds. Lacey also led the team in assists, finishing with 6.
• Jaden Bell had 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists to help the Regents. He also recorded a block and a steal.
• Vincent Eugene led the team in steals coming in off the bench with 2, but also scored 8 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and got an assist.
• Zac Centers knocked down 4 three-pointers to make up all 12 of his points

Rockford will head on the road to take on Wisconsin Lutheran College in a NACC battle on Saturday, January 8th. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:15pm.