The Aurora University Spartan women's basketball team was unable to overcome a cold night shooting from the field Thursday evening in Thornton Gymnasium, falling to the visiting Raiders of Milwaukee School of Engineering 66-44.

MSOE led from the opening bucket of the game by sophomore forward Carol Cayo and would not look back the rest of the night.

The Spartans started out one for eight from the field before a three-point field goal by junior guard Angela Ozanic made it 10-5 Raiders with 15 minutes to play in the half.

Unfortunately for AU baskets were hard to come by the remainder of the half, as the Spartans saw numerous shots rim in and out. The Spartans went on to shoot 6-of-35 from the field in the opening half and trail the Raiders 30-15 at halftime.

The halftime deficit would be too much for the host Spartans to overcome despite better shooting and a valiant second half comeback.

MSOE built their biggest lead with 9:32 to play in the game at 49-25 when the Spartans went on a 15-4 run to cut the Raider lead to 13.

The run was led by junior forward Michelle Perry who knocked down two three-point field goals.

Although the Spartans cut into the Raider lead, MSOE would prove to strong and hold off the Spartans in the end.

Freshman forward Becky Gifford led AU with 14 points while Perry had 11 points and six rebounds.