ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team fell 93-83 in a tight showdown with the #7 ranked Wisconsin Lutheran College Warriors. Both schools shot the ball extremely well and had very similar numbers as WLC was 34-64 (53.1%) from the floor, including 10-22 (45.5%) from beyond the arc and Rockford shot 34-65 (52.3%), including 9-23 (39.1%) from long range. Rockford also outrebounded WLC, holding a 36-24 advantage on the glass, but the big differences in the game came from turnovers and points created off turnovers. The Warriors forced 14 RU turnovers and converted those into 21 points, while Rockford forced just 4 WLC turnovers and turned those into just 4 points. Another difference was WLC's ability to get to the line, attempting 15 more free throws than Rockford and making 9 more. This ultimately allowed the Warriors to stay in front and eventually close out for the victory.
- Rockford opened the first half with a 7-4 lead over the first 2 and a half minutes, capped off by a Micah Swanson triple.
- The Warriors took control with a 15-0 run over the next 4 minutes and 21 seconds to take a 19-7 lead.
- WLC was able to maintain control of the lead as each school traded buckets with the score finding its way to a 38-30 Warrior lead after an Anthony Espensen layup cut the lead to eight.
- The Warriors quickly buried a triple to retake a double-digit lead, but Rockford battled back to cut the lead down to six on two separate occasions before the end of the half. Unfortunately, WLC remained in control and eventually held a 50-39 lead going into the break.
- The Regents opened the second half with a massive 16-8 run that brought Rockford within three at 58-55. RU shot a red-hot 6-7 (85.7%) from the floor, 2-2 (100%) from beyond the arc and 2-2 (100%) from the line during the run.
- Unfortunately, WLC regained its double-digit lead with a 17-9 run over the next 5 minutes and 7 seconds to give the Warriors a 75-64 lead with 10 minutes and 33 seconds left in regulation.
- The Warriors continued to add to their lead, eventually taking their largest lead of the day at 84-68.
- Rockford battled, but the WLC was able to maintain at least a 10-point lead over the final 7 minutes of the game and eventually won by a final score of 93-83.
- Jaden Bell provided a season-high 20 points on an impressive 8-12 (66.7%) shooting, including 4-7 (57.1%) from beyond the arc. Bell also picked up 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
- Micah Swanson delivered his sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds also picking up 3 assists.
- Anthony Espensen tallied 17 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
- DeVon Oregon added 14 points on 5-8 (62.5%) shooting, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and a block.
- Cooper Jackson put up 12 points on 6-10 (60%) shooting, with 2 rebounds and an assist.
