ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University women's basketball team fell 89-64 to the Luther College Norse in a New Year's Eve matchup. Luther was in control for most of the game, leading for 27 minutes and 21 seconds, while Rockford held the lead for 12 minutes and 29 seconds. Rockford did find themselves ahead after the first quarter of play, but Luther scored at least 23 points over the final three quarters to secure the win. The biggest difference in the game was Luther's shooting proficiency, firing 34-57 (59.6%) from the field, while Rockford was held to just a 22-64 (34.4%) day from the field. The Norse also held a massive 17-2 advantage in fast break points and dominated the lane with a 50-22 edge in points in the paint.
- Rockford started out hot, rolling out to a 16-6 lead to open the first quarter. Rockford shot 4-9 (44.4%) from the field, 3-6 (50%) from beyond the arc and Lexi Keating led the Regents with 8 points during the opening stretch.
- However, Luther crept its way back into the game, putting together an 11-6 run to make it a 22-17 RU lead after the opening quarter.
- Luther continued to dwindle the Rockford lead to open the second quarter, eventually taking a 28-27 lead with 6 minutes and 29 seconds left in the half.
- After they took the lead, the Norse took control of the game, going on a 15-6 run to close out the first half with a 10-point, 43-33 lead.
- The Regents were able to cut into the Luther lead some, with a slight 7-2 run to open the second half to make it a 45-40 game. Rockford was led by Lexi Keating with 5 points during the run.
- Unfortunately, Luther was able to retain their double-digit lead and eventually grab a 20-point, 66-46 lead by quarter's end.
- Rockford was unable to get any closer than 20 the rest of the way and fell by a final score of 89-64.
- Lexi Keating provided a career-best 21 points, including a 4-9 (44.4%) day from beyond the arc. Keating also picked up 3 rebounds, a team-high 4 assists and 2 steals.
- Jocelyn Callahan poured in 14 points, also pulling down 3 rebounds and dishing out 2 assists.
- Katie Paredes just missed a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds, also picking up a steal and an assist.