The Aurora University Spartan women's basketball team rallied in the second-half but came up just shy as they fell at Concordia University Chicago 69-59.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Concordia University Chicago 69, Aurora University 59
LOCATION: Geiseman Gymnasium – River Forest, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-8 overall and 0-4 NACC; Concordia University Chicago 4-3 overall and 3-3 NACC.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Despite falling behind early 7-0, the Spartans rallied in the opening quarter and in the final seconds Sami Hultine drained a three to put AU down two at 14-12.
At the end of the first, AU trailed Concordia Chicago 17-12.
In the second, AU couldn't buy a basket early on as CUC built a 16 point lead at halftime.
The Spartans opened up the second half by picking up the defense and knocking down shots on a 6-0 run.
AU continued to chip away and with 50 seconds left in the third, the Spartans were within three at 45-42.
At the end of the third, AU trailed 47-42.
In the fourth quarter the Spartans continued to stay within striking distance of the lead.
The Spartans were able to get the deficit down to three or four points on numerous occasions.
With 2:37 left, AU was down just four at 62-58 but a 7-1 Cougar run ended the game.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
Adriana Ramirez had a double-double with 23 rebounds and 18 points.
Alyssa Brems scored 12 points.
Sami Hultine had 11 points off the AU bench.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
POINTS: Adriana Ramirez (18), Alyssa Brems (12) and Sami Hultine (11)
REBOUNDS: Adriana Ramirez (23) and Meija Rabi (6)
ASSISTS: Adriana Ramirez, Allie Reichert and Rachel Baumgartner (2)
STEALS: Allie Reichert (4)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan women's basketball team comes on Saturday, December 17 when they travel to Rockford University. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. in Rockford, Illinois.