The Aurora University Spartans defeated the Lakeland College Muskies 75-72 Saturday afternoon in a Northern Athletics Conference matchup.
The Spartans jumped out to an early 11-4 lead five minutes into the game thanks to a stingy defense that kept the Muskies off balance while forcing a number of turnovers.
A three-point field goal by Spartan sophomore guard Jen Robinson extended the Spartan lead to 19-8 with eleven minutes left. The Spartans would build their largest lead of the half minutes later, as junior forward Michelle Perry made the score 28-14 with eight minutes left as she completed a three point play after being fouled on a layup.
The Muskies, however, would cut into the Spartan lead behind an 8-1 run with five minutes left to make the score 29-22. Yet, the Spartans were able stop the Muskie surge with a pair of baskets on their next possessions. The Spartans would take a 38-30 lead into halftime.
Top Spartan performers included Robinson (eight points) and freshman guard Angela Smith (eight points). The Muskies were led by senior forward Katie Kilton (12 points).
In the second half, a n
umber of Spartan turnovers allowed the Muskies to climb within three points (40-37) and just two minutes later with 15 minutes remaining, the Spartans still maintained a slim advantage at 42-41.
The Muskies would gain their first lead of the game seconds later when sophomore guard Becca Tilleman hit a three pointer to make the score 44-42 in favor of the Muskies. Both teams would trade baskets on the ensuing possessions, and, at the midway point of the second half, the Muskies led 55-50.
The Muskies held their largest lead (six points) with seven minutes to play in the contest at 62-56.
That marked the point at which Spartan freshman forward Becky Gifford took the game into her hands. Gifford scored nine of the Spartans next 13 points as the Spartans went on a 13-0 run to give the hosts a 69-62 lead with four minutes to play.
But the Muskies weren't through and cut the lead to 71-70 off a three-pointer by sophomore guard Erin Cepa with 30 seconds left.
Yet the Spartans answered yet again and it was none other than Gifford whose jumper helped AU regain a three point advantage at 73-70.
On the following possession, a Muskies basket made the score 73-72 Spartans with 12 seconds left. But, the Spartans would prove to be too much for the Muskies to handle down the stretch. After a pair of free throws by Gifford, the Spartans would go on to win 75-72.
Top Spartan performers included Gifford (26 points) and Smith (14 points), while Lakeland was led by Kilton (16 points) and senior KC Blahnik (16 points).
With the win, the Spartans improve to 4-10 (3-6 NAC) while the Muskies fall to 10-5 (5-3 NAC).
