The Aurora University Women's Basketball team battled the Benedictine University Eagles in the NACC South Division Tournament final but fell short in the final minutes of the game. The Spartan offense struggled to get going in the 1st quarter, shooting just 13% but a methodical comeback ensued and the Spartans were able to take the lead in the 4th quarter with 8 minutes remaining. The game was back and forth for the next 6 minutes until Benedictine was able to go on a 8-0 run to end the game 72-64, ending the Spartans season.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Benedictine University 72 - Aurora University 64.
LOCATION: Lisle, Illinois - Rice Center
RECORDS: Aurora University 6-2 overall; Benedictine University 6-0 overall 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartan offense came out cold falling behind 11-1 to start the game.
- Spartans Victoria Perry and Tyann LeGrand hit back to back three-pointers to cut the Benedictine lead to four.
- That's all the Spartans would score in the 1st as the Eagles would close out the quarter on a 10-0 run.
- The Benedictine offense went cold in the 2nd thanks to tenacious AU defense, shooting just 23% from the field.
- The Spartans would take advantage of Eagle's cold shooting and cut the lead to 7 going into halftime 28-21.
- The Spartans could not miss in the 3rd quarter as Crystal Rios and Julie Galauner would combine for 23 points in the quarter. 
- Benedictine was matching the Spartans nearly point-for-point and ended the 3rd with a 51-45 lead.
- The Spartans would take their first lead of the game with eight minutes left in the 4th on a Crystal Rios fast break jumper.
- The two teams would trade baskets and lead for the next six minutes, six lead changes.
- Benedictine was able to outlast the Spartans going on an 8-0 run to finish and win the game 72-64.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Points: Julie Galauner (26), Crystal Rios (17), and Victoria Perry (12) 
Assists: Sam Barrett (5)
Rebounds: Tyann LeGrand (11) and Victoria Perry (5)
Steals: Julie Galauner (2)

UP NEXT
The Aurora University women's basketball team concludes the 2020-2021 season with a 6-2 overall record.