The Aurora University men's basketball team took on the Eagles of Benedictine University on Saturday afternoon for another NACC battle on Lancaster Court in Thorton Gymnasium. Joevonn McCottry led the balanced scoring attack for the Spartans, collecting 20 points on an efficient shooting afternoon including 8-for-11 from the free throw line as AU took down the Eagles 83-71.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 83, Benedictine University 71
LOCATION: Lancaster Court - Thorton Gymnasium 
RECORDS: Aurora University 9-14 overall and 6-10 in the NACC; Benedictine University 14-9 overall and 11-5 in the NACC


- Joevonn McCottry got it going early for AU with nine points through the first eight minutes.
- The Spartans found themselves tied with Eagles through those eight minutes at 14.
- That score stay tied at 26 with about five minutes to go in the first-half until the AU offense exploded for an 8-0 scoring run.
- Five different Spartans found the bottom of the net during the run to give AU a 37-26 lead going into the locker room.
- The Eagles shot just 27% in the first-half as the aggressive AU defense also won the early turnover battle.
- Michael Osborne netted eight points through the first 20 minutes.
- McCottry drained a three to give AU a 56-40 lead with 12 minutes to go in the second-half.
- The Eagles followed this with a 6-0 run, but Noah Butler answered with baskets on back-to-back Spartan possessions. AU held a 60-46 lead.
- AU took their largest lead of the game at 77-60 after Isaiah Davis nailed a three with 2:37 left.
- The Spartans eventually took a 83-71 victory.
- McCottry finished with 20 on an efficient 5-for-8 shooting afternoon. 
- AU was on fire in the second half on 67% shooting from the field.


Points: Joevonn McCottry (20), Michael Osborne (16) and Isaiah Davis (13)
Assists: Mekhi Doby, Dwayne Jervier Jr., Michael Osborne and Jeffery Hillmer (2)
Rebounds: Dwayne Jervier Jr. (7), Michael Osborne and Isaiah Davis (6)
Steals: Michael Osborne (2), Joevonn McCottry, Mekhi Doby and Isaiah Davis (1)
Blocks: Joevonn McCottry (2), Isaiah Davis and Jeffery Hillmer (1)


Next scheduled action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Wednesday, February 14 when they travel to Lakeland University. Opening tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Plymouth, Wisconsin.