The Aurora University men's basketball team used a strong defensive first half to defeat Concordia University Chicago 86-79.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 86, Concordia University Chicago 79
LOCATION: River Forest, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 4-2 overall and 4-2 NACC; Concordia University Chicago 1-9 overall and 0-5 NACC
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Cougars got out to an early lead and were ahead 12-10 after the first six minutes of play.
- At that point, the Spartans went on a run, backed by their lockdown defense. Over the next ten minutes, AU outscored CUC 27-8.
- The Spartans carried that momentum into halftime, and were leading 40-26.
- In the first half, AU led in nearly every statistical category, including shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc.
- At the start of the second half, Concordia fought back and closed the lead down to 9 points.
- Rashad Johnson caught fire from three, making five in the span of 5 and a half minutes for the Spartans.
- As the game continued, AU was able to answer every Concordia run with a run of their own.
- The Spartans held on to win 86-79.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Points: Rashad Johnson (25), Mahlik Hall (14) and Bailey Vance (13),
Assists: Shamar Pumphrey (4)
Rebounds: Bailey Vance (10)
Steals: Shamar Pumphrey (2)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Saturday, February 20, when the Spartans face Concordia University Chicago on the road. Tip off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.