The Aurora University men's basketball team returned home to Thornton Gymnasium to host the Marian University Sabres in a NACC contest. Overtime was on tap with AU falling to the visitors 67-61.


FINAL SCORE:Marian University 67, Aurora University 61 - overtime
LOCATION:  Lancaster Court - Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 7-8 overall and 4-4 in the NACC; Marian University 2-12 and 2-6 in the NACC


- AU opened the game quickly with a layup from Noah Butler and three from Michael Osborne to lead 5-0 just one minute in.
- Marian answered with a 7-2 run to tie the game 7-7 four minutes in.
- Later in the first-half a Joevonn McCottry layup gave the Spartans their largest lead at seven with the score 25-18.
- In the last three minutes, AU went cold shooting and Marian scored the last seven points to tie the game as it went to halftime tied 27-27/
- Trailing 29-27 early in the second, Josh Holmes and Isaiah Davis made baskets to give AU the 31-29 lead.
- A 16-6 Marian run over the next eight minutes saw AU with their largest deficit at 45-37.
- AU would slowly chip away at the deficit and when Noah Butler converted a layup with 4:30 remaining, the score was tied 50-50.
- On the next possession, Michael Osborne drained a long three and AU had regained the lead at 53-52.
- Neither team made a basket over the next two minutes before Butler hit a floating jumper and AU led 55-52 with a minute left in the game.
- Marian responded immediately by hitting a three to tie the game 55-55.
- Both teams had a chance to win the game in the final 45 seconds but came up short and the game went to overtime.
- Marian scored the first five points of the extra session to put the pressure on the home Spartans.
- A second technical foul of the game called on Marian gave AU two free throws which were made by Isaiah Davis and possession down three at 60-57..
- AU missed a three to tie the game which then allowed Marian to expand on their lead and eventually win 67-61.


Points: Noah Butler and Michael Osborne (15) and Joevonn McCottry (14)
Assists: Michael Osborne, Noah Butler and Joevonna McCottry (2)
Rebounds: Dwayne Jervier Jr. (12)
Steals: Michael Osborne (4)
Blocks: Dwayne Jervier Jr. (3)


Next scheduled action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Wednesday, January 17 when they host Wisconsin Lutheran College. Opening tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium.