The Aurora University Spartans defeated the Marian University Sabres 76-70 Saturday afternoon in a Northern Athletics Conference women's matchup.

In the first half, the Spartans jumped out to an early 7-2 lead three minutes into the contest behind five points from senior center Brianna Leland.

The Spartans extended their lead minutes later to 18-8 behind baskets by freshman center Kelsi McMahan and freshman guard Angela Smith.

The Sabres were able to cut into the Spartan lead, as baskets on back to back possessions made the score 27-21 with seven minutes left in the half. The Spartans would maintain their six point advantage behind baskets by junior center Michelle Perry and Smith while taking a 37-31 lead into the final two

minutes of the half.

A Marian free throw near the end of the half would cut the Aurora lead to 37-32 heading into halftime. Perry led all scorers with 11 points. Spartan freshman forward Becky Gifford added eight points.

In the opening minutes of the second half, the Spartans went on a 6-3 run to increase their lead to 43-35. However, the Sabres went on a run of their own, as they scored the next eight points to tie the game at 43-43 with 15 minutes remaining.

The Spartans would quickly regain the lead thanks to two Perry layups to give them the lead at 47-43. Aurora would increase their lead to 64-50 with seven minutes left behind baskets by Gifford and Perry.

Yet, the determined Sabres would not go away. A Sabre three pointer with four minutes left narrowed the Spartan lead to five, making the score 67-62. The Spartans held a 72-68 lead entering the final minute when a Perry layup gave them a 74-68 advantage, essentially icing the game for the Spartans. The Spartans would go to win, 76-70.

Top Spartan performers included Perry (19 points and six rebounds) and Gifford, who led the Spartans with 22 points.

With the win, the Spartans improve to 6-13 (5-9 NAC) while the Sabres fall to 5-13 (2-10 NAC).

Next action for the Spartans comes on Wednesday, February 3, when they host the Alverno College. Game time is set for 7:00.