The Aurora University Spartans defeated the Concordia University Cougars 83-81 Wednesday night in a battle for first place in the Northern
Athletics Conference South Division.
The Spartans jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead three minutes into the game behind four senior forward Shane Roland points and a three pointer by senior guard Dusty Magee.
The Cougars, however, were able to capitalize off a number of Spartan turnovers and narrow the gap to 22-18 at the midway point of the half. The Cougars hit three-point baskets on three of their five possessions to cut the Spartan lead to four.
The Spartans built another 10 point lead with seven minutes to go, as Magee and senior guard Ari Iventosch each hit three pointers on consecutive possessions to make the score 32-22.
Again, the Cougars were able to fight their way back into the game,
as they made the score 38-35 with three minutes left. This time the Cougars run was led by junior guard Deontay Young and senior forward James Morgan.
The Cougars tied the game one minute later at 38-38 off a three pointer by junior guard Mike Lichtenheld with two minutes remaining.
However, the Spartans closed the half on a 7-0 run, giving them a 45-38 lead. Senior forward Brandon Scott had four points and junior guard Damian Lewis hit a big three-pointer in the 7-0 run.
In the first half, the Spartans were led by Magee (nine points) and Roland (eight points)., while Concordia was led by Morgan (10 points) and junior guard Jeff Weberg (10 points).
In the second half, the Cougars and Spartans exchanged baskets on their opening possessions, and three minutes in, the Cougars cut the Spartan lead to four points at 51-47.
The Cougars crept within one, as their inside game made the score 57-56 with 13 minutes left. Again, the Spartans would try to pull away and build a lead as an Iventosch three pointer gave them a 66-62 lead at the midway point of the half.
However, the Cougars would take their first lead of the game at 70-68 off a Jacob O'Hara three pointer with seven minutes remaining. The O'Hara three-pointer capped an 11-2 run with O'Hara knocking down three three-point field goals.
The Cougars extended their lead to 75-70 with five minutes left but the Spartans would take the lead back thanks to a Roland three pointer with three m
inutes left, making the score 77-75 Spartans.
AU took what looked to be a commanding four-point lead (81-77) following a senior forward Lance Robinson basket with 30 seconds remaining but the Cougars would not go down quietly.
The two teams had a free-throw contest in the last 24 seconds with the Cougars going four-of-four and the Spartans going two-of-four but the lead would be to much to overcome and AU went on to win 83-81.
Top Spartan performers included Robinson, who had a triple double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists. Roland added 19 points, Magee had 18 points, Scott had 10 points and six rebounds and Iventosch had 10 points.
With the win, the Spartans improve 13-9 (9-5 NAC) while the Cougars fall to 12-10 (9-5 NAC).
Next action for the Spartans comes on Saturday, February 13, 2010, when they travel to River Forest, Illinois to take on the Dominican University Stars. Game time is set for 4:15 p.m.
