The Aurora University men's basketball team took on a non-conference opponent in Illinois Institute of Technology on Wednesday evening in Thornton Gymnasium. AU fell to IIT 87-71.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Illinois Institute of Technology 87; Aurora University 71
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois – Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 9-6; Illinois Institute of Technology 11-5
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both the Spartans and the Scarlet Hawks came out strong going back and forth with many lead changes and ties in the opening minutes.
With just over 11 minutes to play, AU got back to back three's from Chris Mahoney and Jordan LaGrone to take a 24-18 lead.
The Spartans held the lead and a second three from Mahoney with 7:57 to p[lay gave AU a seven point lead at 32-25.
Leading 35-29 with 3:45 left, the Spartans saw IIT finish the half on a 14-4 run.
The Scarlet Hawks took a 43-39 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Spartans hit the first shot of the second half cutting the Scarlet Hawks lead to one when Max Vickers hit a three-point shot making the score 43-42.
IIT led and built a 10 point advantage (64-54) with 11:53 to play in the game.
AU fought back and pulled within four points on several occasions over the next seven minutes.
With 4:25 to go, Spartan Marcus Myers went one of two from the free throw line to cut the deficit to four (73-69).
But over the final 4:25, IIT outscored the Spartans 14-2 to pull away with an 87-71 win.
Two late three's from the Hawks pushed the lead well into double digits despite the closeness of the contest.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
Marcus Myers led the Spartans with 19 points while adding six rebounds and three assists.
Ty Carlson had 14 points and four rebounds for the game.
Max Vickers had 12 points and seven rebounds.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
POINTS: Marcus Myers (19), Ty Carlson (14) and Max Vickers (12)
REBOUNDS: Max Vickers (7), Marcus Myers (6) and Ty Carlson (4)
ASSISTS: Matt Dunn and Marcus Myers (3)
STEALS: Ty Carlson and Marcus Myers (3)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Saturday, January 21 when they host Marian University. Game time is set for 4:15 p.m. on Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium.