The Aurora University men's basketball team opened up the 2021-2022 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference schedule Wednesday night on Lancaster Court and locked down defensively on their way to a 67-44 victory over Illinois Tech.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 67, Illinois Institute of Technology 44
LOCATION: Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium - Aurora, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-4 overall and 1-0 in the NACC; Illinois Institute of Technology 1-6 overall and 0-1 in the NACC
 

- The Spartans opened up a five point lead with 12:46 left in the first half at 12-7 behind five points from Julian Gatewood and four from Nolan Boffman off the AU bench.
- After IIT tied the game 14-14 just under halfway through the first-half, Shamar Pumphrey drained a three to push the Spartans ahead 17-14, giving AU a lead they wouldn't surrender.
- The largest lead of the first came after a pair of Nathan Yockey free throws to go up seven at 25-18.
- The Spartans would lead 29-24 as the teams headed to halftime.
- AU used a 19-2 run over a 6:30 span early in the second half to blow the game open.
- With 13:30 to play, AU led 48-28. In the run, the Spartans caused four IIT turnovers and held the Scarlet Hawks to one of six shooting.
- The Spartan lead was never less than 15 the remainder of the contest.
- Baskets from Josiah Sarasty and Luke Chaney in the final minute gave AU the 23 point win at 67-44.


Points: Brooks Schoon (10), Nathan Yockey (9), Terreon Hopkins, Julian Gatewood and JT Daniels (8)
Assists: Shamar Pumphrey (3)
Rebounds: Brooks Schoon (6)
Steals: JT Daniels (2)


Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Saturday, December 4 when they host St. Norbert College. Tip-off is set for 4:15 p.m. in Thornton Gymnasium.