The Aurora University men's basketball team hosted Bethany Lutheran College in the final game of the Tip-Off Classic Saturday evening. Another fantastic contest was on tap between the Spartans and Vikings with AU hanging on to a late lead to win 84-79.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 85, Bethany Lutheran College 79
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois - Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-1 overall; Bethany Lutheran College 1-1 overall 


- The first-half was a dog fight between the Spartans and Vikings with the game tied 29-29 at the under four media timeout.
- A 7-0 Spartan run with a three and lay-up from Juan Madrigal and bucket from Gevon Grant put the Spartans ahead 36-29.
- AU would lead 40-33 going to halftime.
- Jeffery Hillmer led all scorers with 11 points in the first-half.
- The Spartans maintained the lead but had to battle the pesky Vikings in the early part of the second-half.
- After seeing the lead diminish, AU would trail by seven (57-50) with 12:39 left in the game.
- AU went to work with a three from Alex Ross and two free throws from Grant giving the Spartans the lead back at 60-59 and 10 minutes left in the game.
- The lead change would be the last of the game as the Spartans went up eight (72-64) on a Bryden Gryzmala basket with 6:45 left.
- The Spartans fought off the Viking late rally try and held on to win 84-79.

 
Points: Devon Richardson (20), Gevon Grant and Zerrick Johnson (13), Juan Madrigal and Jeffery Hillmer (11)
Assists: Gevon Grant, Jeffery Hillmer and Juan Madrigal (3)
Rebounds: Devon Richardson (6)
Steals: Jeffery Hillmer (2)
Blocks: Devon Richardson (2)


Next action for the Spartan men's basketball team comes on Wednesday, November 12 when they travel to North Central College. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. In Naperville, Illinois.