The Aurora University men's basketball team was unable to complete a valiant come back against Rockford University on Saturday evening. The Spartans lost a shoot out, 112-103. 

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Rockford University 112,  Aurora University  103 
LOCATION: Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium; Aurora, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-3 overall and 1-3 NACC; Rockford University 2-5 overall and 2-3 NACC

HOW IT HAPPENED
- A fast start for the Spartans saw AU up 15-7 going into the first timeout with 14:58 remaining in the first half. 
- The score tightened up midway through the first half as AU led 32-28 with 8:24 remaining. 
- With 7:18 remaining AU lost the lead and trailed for the first time 33-32.
- After falling behind 35-32 Matt Dunn made a deep three to even the score at 35-35.
- The two teams swapped shots with Rockford gaining the advantage going into the end of the of the first half.
- Tyler Carlson made a three pointer from the corner just before the end of the half to cut the deficit to 55-51 as the teams went into halftime
- The Spartans came roaring back at the start of the second half and with five straight points from Bailey Vance as they regained the lead 56-55.
- A seven point response from Rockford saw AU trailing 62-56 with 17:53 remaining.
- After being down 82-67 AU gained momentum to bring the game back to within 10. With 9:42 remaining AU trailed 82-72.
- Over the next several possessions, the Spartans went 0-of-6 from the free throw line as they were trying to chip away at the deficit.
- With 2:49 remaining AU trailed 96-88 with the momentum and hopes to close the gap.
- At 2:07 Brandon James made both free throws to cut the deficit to six points. AU trailed 98-92.
- The deficit was within four when Garrett Hoffman scored. AU trailed 102-98 with 1:27 remaining.
- A three from Tyler Carlson with 49 seconds left kept the Spartans down four (105-101).
- The Spartans were unable to complete the come back and fell to Rockford University 112-103.  

FOR THE SPARTANS
- Matt Dunn had 20 points and five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
- Brandon James had 20 points, two assists and two rebounds.
- Bailey Vance had 17 points, six rebounds and an assist. 
- Six Spartans finished in double figures in scoring on the night.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
POINTS: Brandon James and Matt Dunn (20), Bailey Vance (17)
REBOUNDS: Bailey Vance (6) 
ASSISTS: Matt Dunn (5) 
STEALS: Matt Dunn, Tyler Carlson, Justin Wierzgac and Garrett Hoffman (1)
BLOCKS: Justin Wierzgac (2)

UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes this Wednesday, December 12 when they travel to North Central College. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. in Naperville, Illinois.