ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's basketball team put together a crucial 78-59 win over the Benedictine University Eagles Wednesday night. The Regents held the Eagles in check all night, holding them to just 33.9% shooting, while Rockford shot just under 50% on the night, including a 57.14% second half. Rockford also controlled the glass and the lane as they outrebounded Benedictine 50-28 and outscored them 36-24 in points in the paint. This ultimately led to the win over the Eagles and gives Rockford the regular season sweep over Benedictine. The Regents now sit in a tie with Concordia Chicago and Benedictine for the final two spots in the NACC tournament with just one game remaining.
- After the Eagles grabbed the first lead of the contest at 2-0, the Regents roared to the tune of 12 straight points to take a 12-2 lead just five minutes into the game. Five different Regents scored during the run, all led by Noody Lacey and Donovan Grunloh with three points each.
- The Rockford defense proved to be stingy as well as the Regents held the Eagles to single-digit scoring until about 11 minutes through the first half.
- The Regents were able to stay in front, maintaining at least a seven-point lead for most of the rest of the half until the Eagles cut the RU lead to just two with just 46 seconds left in the half.
- Despite this, Rockford maintained control of the lead and held a 31-28 lead going into the break.
- The Eagles quickly overtook the lead from the Regents with five straight points to open the second half, but Noody Lacey put the lead right back in Rockford's hands with a triple to make it 34-33 RU lead.
- Rockford added to this with a big 14-3 run that gave the Regents a 48-36 lead. The Regents shot 5-7 (71.4%) from the field and Micah Swanson led the way with 6 points during the RU run.
- The Eagles then responded with a 13-8 run that made it a 56-49 game with about 9 minutes left in regulation.
- Fortunately, Rockford was able to respond right back, quickly regaining its double-digit lead after five straight points from Anthony Espensen to put the Regents back ahead by double digits at 61-49.
- The Regents led by at least 11 points for the rest of the way and eventually closed out the game with their largest lead of the day and final score of 79-58.
- Rockford had four players in double figures.
- Jaden Bell provided 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals a 1 block.
- Noody Lacey added a season-high 13 points on 5-7 (71.4%) shooting. Also picking up 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 1 steal.
- Micah Swanson picked up his 9th double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He also had 2 assists and a block.
- Anthony Espensen delivered 12 points on 5-7 (71.4%) shooting. He also put up 8 rebounds and 4 assists as well.
