LISLE, Ill. -- The Rockford University men's basketball team defeated NACC conference opponent Benedictine University, 59-56, on Saturday.
Jaden Bell led the charge for the Regents recording a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Tying Bell in the scoring column was
Cooper Jackson with 14 points, while also grabbing five rebounds.
Rockford jumped out to a 13-4 lead, while Benedictine responded with a 14-5 run to take its first lead of the game at the 6:45 mark of the first half, to take an 18-16 lead. Both teams went back-and-forth, as the Regents responded with a 12-4 run to take a 28-22 lead, followed by a 7-0 run from the Eagles in the final 2:17 in the half to take a 29-28 lead at the break.
The Eagles jumped the Regents with a quick 10-2 run to start the second half, keeping their foot on the gas to eventually build an 11 point lead with 8:25 remaining, up 53-42.
Cooper Jackson started the rally for Rockford late in the second half when he converted a layup and was fouled at the under eight minute media timeout, and made the free throw.
The Regents kept pace until
Donovan Grunloh nailed a three pointer to cut the deficit to two, at 55-53.
After the Grunloh three, the Regents went on a 6-1 spurt, as the Regents made one more defensive stop at the end of the game to complete the second half comeback.
On the afternoon, the Regents shot 36.8%, 32.1% from three, and won the rebounding battle, 36-33.
The Regents will return to action on Monday, Dec. 15, when they play at non-conference opponent, Eureka College at 3 p.m. CST.
