The Aurora University women's basketball team exploded in the second-half, out-scoring Lakeland 46-28 and coasted to a 73-66 win over the Muskies. Strong shooting with a lock down defensive performance and a double-double from Crystal Rios was the blueprint for success.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 73, Lakeland University 56
LOCATION: Plymouth, Wisconsin
RECORDS: Aurora University 13-2 overall and 7-1 in the NACC ; Lakeland University 7-8 overall and 5-3 in the NACC


- The Spartans opened up a nine point lead quickly in the first quarter with a three-point play from Jaylah Mays.
- An Eliot Dojutrek basket just before the quarter ended, the Spartans led Lakeland 20-11.
- After a three from Kylie Fischbach in the second put AU ahead 23-14, Lakeland used a 10-0 run to grab a 24-23 lead.
- In the final 4:49 both the Spartans and Muskies got cool from the field and would each score just four points a piece.
- AU trailed 28-27 going to halftime.
- Selena Vargas drained a jumper early in the third to give AU a 31-30 advantage.
- Crystal Rios hit a jumper with 5:48 left to put AU ahead 35-34. The basket started an 18-8 run for AU and they led 51-42 after three quarters.
- A Talia Bee three 3:06 into the fourth gave the Spartans an 18-point lead at 61-43. The lead would be the first of three times in the quarter that AU would lead by 18.
- Lakeland used a run to get within 11 at 64-53 with 3:56 to play but the Spartans quickly answered with a Rios three and multiple made free-throws to build back a large lead.
- AU would win by 17, 73-56


Points: Crystal Rios (17) and Macy Kocen (14)
Assists: Sam Barrett (5) and Kylie Fischbach (4)
Rebounds: Crystal Rios (10)
Steals: Eliot Dojutrek (3) 
 

Next action for the Spartan women's basketball team comes on Wednesday, January 18 when they host Concordia University Chicago. Opening tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Thornton Gymnasium.