ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team improved its record to 7-2 with an impressive 87-66 win over the Maranatha Baptist University Sabercats. Rockford was in full control as they never once trailed and led for almost the entire game, leading by as many as 21 points in the later stages. The Regents continued their prowess on the glass, holding a 47-27 advantage in rebounds, including an 18-8 advantage on the offensive boards, creating a massive 24-6 margin in second chance points. Rockford was also in control in the lane as they held a 56-36 edge in points in the paint. The Regents now improve to 15-1 all-time against Maranatha and extend RU's winning streak over them to 14 games dating back to the 2007-08 season.
- Rockford quickly took control, rolling out to a 10-1 lead to open the game. The Regents were led by Daeshawn Jackson and Anthony Espensen with three points each in the hot start.
- Maranatha was able to get things going on their end and cut the RU lead down to five at 12-7 about midway through the first half.
- However, the Regents were able to maintain at least a two-possession lead over the Sabercats until Rockford grabbed its first double-digit lead of the afternoon after a Devon Oregon free throw made it 28-18.
- Rockford continued to stay out in front and eventually held a 37-30 lead going into the break.
- The Regents rolled out of the break hot with a 13-6 run, capped off by a Matthew Elliott triple to make it a 50-36 Rockford lead.
- Rockford maintained its double-digit lead, eventually holding a 65-47 lead after a Cooper Jackson layup midway through the second half.
- The Regents and Sabercats traded baskets over the last 8 minutes of the contest, but Rockford maintained a strong lead, never letting Maranatha get closer than 13 points.
- Rockford held its largest lead of the day at 21 points with 25 seconds left as they eventually closed out the game and took the 87-66 victory.
- Four Regents scored in double-digit figures.
- Micah Swanson led Rockford with a tremendous 16 points in just 12 minutes of work, while also shooting an unbelievable 8-9 (88.8%) from the field. Swanson also collected 3 rebounds and an assist.
- DeVon Oregon poured in a career-high 12 points and 6 assists, also grabbing 3 rebounds and 3 steals.
- Jaden Bell provided 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 2 steals on the afternoon.
- Matthew Elliott put up 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
- Anthony Espensen delivered 9 points, a team-high 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.
