ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team (11-7, 5-6 NACC) battled with Benedictine (9-9, 8-4 NACC) to the final buzzer, but were unable to come away with the victory, losing 59-56. Neither team was able to pull away by more than eight points over the course of the game, leading to eight ties and six lead changes. Benedictine was able to convert 12 fast-break points in the game compared to Rockford's one point, which made a difference in the outcome of the score. Micah Swanson played well, he secured a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds that helped keep the game close.

• Benedictine started out in front and held the lead 7-6. TJ Lacey and Charles Burnell had four and two points for the Regents, respectively.
• Rockford took the lead thanks to a Charles Burnell three-pointer, and they were able to hold it for over nine minutes before Benedictine passed the Regents again, taking a 20-18 lead with 6:19 remaining.
• Benedictine pieced together nine more points before the end of the half with Rockford only able to score six, including Charles Burnell hitting a shot right before the halftime horn. The Eagles held a 5-point lead going into the break with the score at 29-24.
• After Benedictine scored the first basket of the second half, RU went on a 9-0 run to take the lead away from the Eagles 33-31. It was a total team effort as five different Regents all scored at least 1 point in the run.
• The Eagles followed the lead change up with a 18-8 run where they built up the largest lead by either side at eight points. With 9:02 left in the game, Benedictine was in the lead 49-41.
• Rockford was able to close the gap with two minutes remaining due to a 14-6 run and tie the game at 55. Brandon Emerick recorded all seven of his points in this seven-minute span, and Micah Swanson scored six points of his own during the run.
• Benedictine was able to burn off 24 seconds before they converted a layup to take a 57-55 lead. Rockford had a great opportunity with an open three-point shot but couldn't convert it to points and was forced to start fouling to stop the clock.
• The Eagles missed the free throw and Rockford came charging down the court with ten seconds remaining. RU missed a layup chance with three seconds left but got a chance to tie the game when Benedictine fouled on the rebound with 1.3 seconds left.
• The Regents converted the first but came up short on the second attempt, and Benedictine was in control for the remainder of the game, winning 59-56.

• Micah Swanson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. He also tallied a block.
• TJ Lacey finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Lacey also had the team-high in steals with 3 and an assist.
• Charles Burnell had 12 points and 2 assists.

The RU men's basketball team will head north to Lakeland University for a Saturday NACC game. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:15pm.