The Aurora University women's basketball team took to the road Saturday, February 16 to take on the Cougars of Concordia University Chicago. AU looked to gain some momentum heading into the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament, but fell in a hard fought battle. Aurora caused 19 turnovers and out rebounded the Cougars 45 to 40.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Concordia University Chicago 77, Aurora University 76
LOCATION: River Forest, Illinois - Geiseman Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 11-13 overall and 11-9 in the NACC; Concordia University Chicago 8-17 overall and 8-12 in the NACC

HOW IT HAPPENED
- AU started off by making five of their first seven shots opening up to an 11-4 lead half way through the first quarter. 
- During the last five minutes of the first quarter CUC outscored AU 15-4. 
- At the end of the first quarter the Spartans trailed 19-15.
- Aurora was unable to find their rhythm for most of the second quarter. 
- The Spartans were outscored 31-5 and went into halftime trailing 50-20.
- Aurora found their stroke coming out of halftime.
- Each team traded baskets for most of the 3rd quarter. 
- Aurora caught fire with a minute left in the third making three of their last four shots.
- After three quarters of play Aurora trailed 70-46.
- The Spartans opened up an 11-0 run in the 4th quarter cutting the deficit to 72-55.
- After CUC made their first bucket with 6:00 minutes remaining, Aurora went on an 18-4 run cutting the deficit down to 5 with 11 seconds left. 
- AU hit some clutch shots pulling into as close as three points
- Two CUC free throws at the end sealed the game.
- AU fell 77-76.

TOP SPARTAN PERFORMERS
- Julie Galauner had a game-high 30 points with eight rebounds.
- Meija Rabi had a game-high 13 rebounds.

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
POINTS: Julie Galauner (30)
REBOUNDS: Meija Rabi (13)
ASSISTS: Rachel Baumgartner (3)
STEALS: Meija Rabi (3)
BLOCKS: 3 tied (1)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan women's basketball team comes on Tuesday, February 19 when they travel to the first round of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament. AU travels to Dominican University with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. in River Forest, Illinois.