The Aurora University men's basketball team returned to the court for the first time in nearly two weeks for an afternoon non-conference match-up with Monmouth College. Five different Spartans reached double figures in scoring, but AU fell just short in double overtime 81-80.


FINAL SCORE: Monmouth College 81, Aurora University 80 - Double Overtime
LOCATION: Monmouth, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 6-6 overall; Monmouth College 6-5 overall


- AU went on an early 13-2 run that included a couple of baskets from Josh Holmes to put them out in front by seven through the first 6:46 of play.
- Trey Jenkins finished at the rim as the Spartans retook a 25-24 lead with 2:49 left. Jenkins had six points in the first half.
- Each team would go cold and AU would trail 26-25 heading into the halftime break.
- In the first half the Spartan defense forced the hosts into shooting just 30% from the field.
- The Spartans went on a 7-0 run to start the second half as Monmouth did not collect a basket from the 18:27 to 12:40 mark.
- After six straight Michael Osborne points, AU gained a 51-50 lead with 3:55 remaining.
- As the Spartans were facing a five-point deficit with just 30 seconds to go, Osborne continued to take over and nailed a three to put AU within one possession.
- After the hosts made one of two at the line, Osborne knocked down another trey with just three seconds left on the clock to send the game into overtime.
- Osborne finished with 16 points after regulation including 14 of the Spartans final 16 points of the second half.
- Each side traded baskets through the first overtime period as the Spartans saw themselves trailing 73-70 with less than a minute remaining. An Isaiah Davis three-pointer tied the game and eventually sent it to a second overtime period.
- Noah Butler knocked down a pair of free throws to put AU out in front 83-80 with just over a minute remaining.
- AU had a chance to win the game on the final possession, but were unable to do so and fell 81-80.
- Osborne led the Spartans with 18 points and nine rebounds after logging 47 minutes.
- Davis ended with five three-pointers and 17 points.


Points: Michael Osborne (18), Isaiah Davis (17), Noah Butler (13), Josh Holmes (12) and Trey Jenkins (10)
Assists: Josh Holmes (4)
Rebounds: Dwayne Jervier Jr (13) and Michael Osborne (9) 
Steals: Isaiah Davis (2)


Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Wednesday, January 3 when they travel to Dominican University Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. in River Forest, Illinois.