The Aurora University Spartan women's basketball team played host to the Rockford College Regents Thursday night in Thornton gymnasium. Entering the contest, Rockford sat in 3rd place in the South Division with a 6-6 conference record and the Spartans looked to improve on a 2-10 conference record. 

In the opening minutes, Rockford used solid passing to get inside for easy baskets against the Spartan defense and held an 11-4 lead over AU in the first four and a half minutes.

The struggles continued on the defensive end for the Spartans as the Regents went on a 13-3 run to open the lead to 17 (24-7) by the 13 minute mark.

After trading baskets for several minutes, Spartan senior forward Makeda Queen connected on three point play cutting into the lead and making the score to 34-24 in favor of the Regents.

The Spartan defense suddenly came alive near the three minute mark as senior guards Ashley Daniels and Jessica Mason tallied steals that would result in fast break away lay-ups for the Spartans. This run brought the lead to just eight for the Regents. (36-28)

A three point shot just seconds prior to the buzzer by Regents junior guard Nicole Olsen opened the lead back up to 11 (44-33) for Rockford.

Leading the way at the half for the Spartans was Mason (13 points and two steals)

The Regents were lead by Olson (13 points) and junior guard Brittany Curry (13 points, seven rebounds and three assists).

The second half began a bit sluggish for both teams, however the Regents would gain momentum and with 15:45 showing on the clock they had opened their lead up to 17 once again (53-36).

The Spartans would gather themselves and make a quick 8-2 run behind two three point baskets by sophomore guard Devin Barth which would bring the score to 55-44 with the Regents still on top and 13 and a half minutes remaining.

In the following minutes, both teams exchanged several baskets but neither team was able to take control of the momentum. With just over seven minutes left in regulation the Regents maintained a 68-58 lead.

A 13-4 run for the Spartans cut the Regent lead to just seven (72-65) with 2:30 left on the clock. Daniels the found Barth in the corner for a three pointer moving them within four just under two minutes remaining (72-68).

With the Spartans forced to foul in the final minute, the Regents took advantage of the free throws and would go on to win 77-73.

In the contest, the Spartans were led by Mason (21 points on four-of-seven shooting from three-point range), Daniels (17 points, six rebounds and six assists), Barth (11 points) and Queen (double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds). The Regents had 5 players in double figures in points and with three more players in double figures in rebounds.

AU is now 5-15 overall and 2-11 in the NAC and is in action again on Saturday, February 5, 2011 when they travel to Edgewood College. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. in Madison, Wis.