The Aurora University men's basketball team and new Head Coach
Steve Christiansen opened the 2022-2023 season with a dominating home non-conference victory over Maranatha Baptist University on Tuesday night. The Spartans won 97-49, never trailing in the ballgame.
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 97, Maranatha Baptist University 49
LOCATION: Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium - Aurora, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-0 overall; Maranatha Baptist University 0-1 overall

- The Spartans opened up an 11-0 lead behind seven points from
Noah Butler.
- With 13:16 to play,
Robert Roszkiewicz layed in a fastbreak bucket and AU led 19-2.
- AU dominated on both ends of the court in the home debut for Coach Christiansen's Spartans.AU shot 60% (21-35) from the field in the first-half and only attempted two three's, making one.
- Meanwhile on defense AU forced 14 turnovers with 10 steals which resulted in 10 fast break points.
- Heading to halftime, AU led Maranatha by 30 at 49-19.
- The second-half was much of the same with the Spartans continuing to dominate.
- 13 of the 15 Spartans scored and AU shot 62.1% (41-66) for the game.
- Freshman
Joevonn McCottry led all scorers with 16 off the bench.
- AU finished the night with 59 bench points, 34 points off turnovers and 62 points in the paint.
- The Spartans were victorious 97-49.
Points: Joevonn McCottry (16), Michael OsBorne (14),
Justin Wilson (12) and
Noah Butler (11)
Assists: Michael Osborne (4)
Rebounds: Cameron Davis (6)
Steals: Nolan Boffman,
Tre Hamilton and
JT Daniels (4)

Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Friday, November 11 when they travel to Eureka College. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m. in Eureka, Illinois.