The Spartans of Aurora University took the court against the visiting Stars of Dominican University on Wednesday January 28 in a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference women's basketball contest. The Spartans prevailed 67-43 in a dominant victory. The Spartans shot over 40-percent from the field with key players junior Shannon Koski (25 points) and freshman Morgan Ricketts (double-double of 21 rebounds and 10 points) leading the way.
 

The Spartans began the game strong opening with a flood of scoring. Within the first five minutes of the game the Spartans led the visiting Stars 13-6. Both Koski and Ricketts began their thrilling night with multiple points and rebounds in the opening run of the game.

Leading by 11 with just under six minutes to play in the opening half, the Spartans began to coast a little on both ends of the ball as it appeared they would possibly have an easy victory over Dominican, however, the Stars would not fade into darkness quietly.

The Stars went on a 7-0 run to pull the game within four points (23-19) with 4:32 left. The Spartans came alive again to finish the half on a 9-0 run to head into halftime up 13 at 32-19. The run was aided by a three-point shot by Molly Rosenow, it was her three that sparked the run after a two-pointer by Rachel Rivera.

In the first-half, Ricketts recorded an astounding 11 rebounds with Koski dropping in 10 points, going six-for-six from the free-throw line.

Coming out of the locker room with power and determination as Koski rung in a three early in the half giving the Spartans momentum. Throughout the second half the Spartans remained poised and strong on offense as well as defense. The Spartans continued their dominating performance as they stretched their lead to a high of 27 at 63-36 with 4:07 on the clock.

Just before the Spartans took their largest lead of the game, Ricketts picked up her 10th point to record her double-double. AU would wrap up the game with the 67-43 final score.

In addition to the top performances by Ricketts and Koski, Rosenow had nine points and four steals, Natalie Branch had eight points, Alex Hultine had seven points and six assists and Rivera had six points.

With the win, AU is now 6-14 overall and 6-9 in the NACC. Next action for the Spartan women's basketball team comes on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 when they travel to Rockford University. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. in Rockford, Illinois.