The Aurora University men's basketball team opened up the 2019-2020 season with an 87-79 loss at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the first game under new Head Coach Matt Airy.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 87, Aurora University 79
LOCATION: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
RECORDS: Aurora University 0-1; University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 1-0

HOW IT HAPPENED
- AU started the game with a 7-0 run with five points coming from Jarek Hotwagner
- Following a timeout from the hosts, Eau Claire answered with a 20-3 run and led the Spartans 20-10 midway through the first-half.
- The three ball kept the Spartans hanging around in a single digit deficit before going into half down 13 at 47-34.
- AU opened the second half on an 8-0 run and again forced an early Eau Claire timeout.
- The Spartans managed to battle back and grab the lead with 10:22 to go in the game on a Ha'ashim Keys layup.
- A three-point play from Bailey Vance followed by a layup from Shamar Pumphrey and with 9:06 to play, AU led 64-60.
- But a 12-0 run from Eau Claire found AU down eight at 72-64 with 6:27 to go.
- The Spartans would drop the season opener 87-79.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
- Bailey Vance had 18 points and six rebounds.
- Shamar Pumphrey had 14 points.
- Will Hrubes had 13 points and seven rebounds.
- Rashad Johnson had 12 points on 4-of-5 from three-point range. 
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
POINTS: Bailey Vance (18), Shamar Pumphrey (14), Will Hrubes (13) and Rashad Johnson (12)
REBOUNDS: Will Hrubes (7)
ASSISTS: Shamar Pumphrey (3)
STEALS: Ha'ashim Keys (5)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Friday, November 22 when they take on Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. Opening tip is set for 5:00 pm on the campus of Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.