AURORA, Ill. -- The Rockford University men's basketball team fell short against NACC conference opponent Aurora University, 84-70, on Wednesday.
Cooper Jackson led the Regents in both scoring and rebounding with 12 points and five boards.
Jaden Bell also scored in double figures with 11 points and came down with four rebounds.
Rockford did not have the lead the entire game, and got off to a slow start in the first 6:43 of action as Aurora jumped out to a 17-4 lead. The Spartans kept their foot on the gas, as they had a 41-25 lead at halftime.
A huge part of Aurora's success was due to the performance of Devon Richardson, who won NACC Player of the Week back on Nov. 11 to secure the first Player of the Week honor of the season. Richardson poured in 34 points while totaling 18 rebounds in 33 minutes of playing time.
The Regents kept fighting as they were able to trim the deficit to 11, down 51-40 after
Tre Miller knocked down a three-pointer with 14:43 remaining, but the Spartans kept responding and eventually surged to extend their lead to the largest one of the game at 25 points when they held a 77-52 lead with 6:37 left.
Rockford then proceeded to go on an 18-7 run, but it was too late to overcome the deficit.
The Regents shot 45.0% from the floor and 39.1% from three.
The Regents will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 3:15 p.m. CST against NACC conference opponent, Milwaukee School of Engineering.
