Box Score The Aurora University women's basketball team took another step towards making it back to .500 Monday night in Thornton Gymnasium as AU went to battle with Blackburn College and came out victorious with a score of 69-43.

The Spartans jumped out to a quick seven point lead in the first three minutes of the game as they started the game with a 9-2 run. AU's defense was ferocious; forcing five turnovers during that run.

While the Battlin' Beavers lived up to their name and battled back they were never able to take the lead from the Spartans nor were they ever able to tie the game. Blackburn pulled within one when Danae Smith knocked down a jumper with just under 15 minutes to play in the half. This would be the closest the Beavers would come to the Spartan lead the rest of the game.

Over the final 6:08 The Spartans went on a an 11-2 run to close out the half and increase their lead from five to 14 at 34-20. The run was led by sophomore Neely Marks and freshman Raiven Smith who contributed four points each.

Marks led all scorers with 10 points at the half while also tying with Blackburn's Smith for the rebounding lead at four each. AU showed that the best offense is a good defense as they scored 23 of their 34
AU opened up the second half in the same fashion as the first going on another 11-2  run. The run gave the Spartans a 20 point lead as freshman Bethany Dorrington knocked down a three-point field goal just 3:15 into the half.

The Spartans mounted one final run to close out the game with a 10-4 spurt. The final run gave AU a 26 point margin of victory at 69-43.

Junior Shay Jenkins led all scorers by putting up 17 point for the Spartans. She was helped by Neely Mark and Joree Green who scored 14 and 11 points respectively. Blackburn was led by Danae Smith and Briana Rae with 10 points apiece.

With the win the Spartans improve 4-6 overall. The Spartans will be in action once again when they take on Augustana College at 7:00 p.m. in Thornton Gymnasium.