The Aurora University men's basketball team opened up the 2018-2019 season with an impressive 90-65 win over Millikin University

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 90; Millikin University 65
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois – Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-0; Millikin University 4-1

HOW IT HAPPENED
- AU started the game with an 8-0 run with five points coming from Brandon James
- After Millikin responded with three points of their own the Spartans opened the flood gates and erupted with a 16-0 run capped off by two three-pointers from Garret Hoffman. AU led 24-3 with 11:13 remaining in the first half.
- The Spartan lead grew to as much as 26 points in the first half after Bailey Vance drained his second three of the day to make the score 46-20 with 1:37 remaining in the first half.
- AU led 50-24 going into halftime.
- The second half saw the two teams show up slower than the first half.
- After Millikin went on a 7-3 run to start the half the Spartans turned up the heat with two three-point strikes from Garrett Hoffman.
- AU led 66-33 with 12:15 remaining in the game.
- The Spartan lead stayed around 30 for the remainder of the game. This included a three-point splash from Tyler Carlson to put the Spartans up 78-48 with 7:35 remaining in the game.
- AU defeated Millikin University 90-65 to begin their 2018-2019 season.   
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
- Garrett Hoffman was 6-6 from three-point range for 18 points.
- Ty Carlson had 12 points, seven assists and four rebounds
- Max Vickers had 14 points including three, three-pointers 
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
POINTS: Garrett Hoffman (18), Max Vickers (14) and Tyler Carlson (12)
REBOUNDS: Bailey Vance and Jarek Hotwagner (8)
ASSISTS: Tyler Carlson (7) and Matt Dunn (6)
STEALS: Jarek Hotwagner (2)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Tuesday, November 27 when they begin Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.