ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team fell 81-56 to the Marian University Sabres Saturday afternoon. The Sabres held control of the lead for a majority of the game, holding it for 33 minutes and 21 seconds while Rockford held it for just 4 minutes and 15 seconds. The biggest difference in the game came from shooting as Marian put up a 29-55 (52.7%) performance from the field, including 10-20 (50.0%) from beyond the arc. Conversely, Rockford shot just 18-50 (36.0%) from the field and 5-20 (25%) from three-point range on the afternoon. The Marian defense also forced 15 RU turnovers and converted those into 22 points, while Rockford forced only 7 turnovers and turned those into just 9 points. The Sabres have now won four out of the last five matchups between these schools.
- The Sabres opened with a 6-2 lead over the first two and a half minutes of the game.
- The Regents eventually tied it at 8-8 with a quick 6-2 response capped off by a Micah Swanson layup.
- Rockford added to that with a 12-7 spurt over the next five minutes to take a 20-15 lead midway through the first half. The Regents shot 5-8 (62.5%) from the field, 2-2 (100%) from the line and were led by Micah Swanson and Noody Lacey with 4 points each.
- However, Marian seized control of the game with a massive 19-4 run that gave the Sabres a 35-24 lead with 5 minutes left in the half.
- The Sabres led by as many as 16 in the first half and eventually took a 42-28 lead into the break.
- Marian quickly added to its lead to open the second half as the Sabres took a 51-30 lead just 5 minutes in.
- Unfortunately, Rockford never got it going in the second half and the Sabres continued to pour it on as they led by as many as 34 and ultimately closed out for the 25-point victory.
- Micah Swanson added a game-high 14 points on 5-6 (83.3%) shooting. Swanson also had 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steals.
- Jaden Bell had 11 points and 3 rebounds.
