Box Score

Aurora, Illinois – After topping Aurora University 96-83 earlier in the year, Benedictine looked for the season-sweep of its conference rival Tuesday.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, Aurora had not lost since that original defeat and ran its winning streak to nine games with an 80-66 victory over Benedictine.

Benedictine trailed early as Aurora came out of the gates blazing. Dusty McGee’s three-pointer at the 16:18 mark gave Aurora a nine-point lead.

The Eagles climbed back into the game, cutting the lead to three on a Terry Licht layup.

Trailing 30-20 at the 5:24 mark of the first half, Benedictine went on a 10-0 run to tie the game on a Michael Fahey three-pointer at the 2:21 mark.

Benedictine took its first lead of the contest on a Dan Klecan jumper at the 17:31 mark of the second half. Cameron Snelling extended the Eagles lead to 42-39 with a three-pointer on the next Eagles’ possession.

Aurora then went on the attack, going on a 14-0 run capped off by a Martin Lamar layup.

When the dust had settled, the Spartans had a 53-42 lead with a little more than 10 minutes left in the contest.

While the Eagles were able to get within four pointslate in the second half, they never again saw the lead.

Jerrell Tribble led the Eagles with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a perfect 2 of 2 from three point.

Snelling picked up his third consecutive double double, adding 12 points and 10 rebounds. Snelling also led the Eagles with four assists.

Seniors Rob Bridgeman and Fahey picked up 10 points apiece.

Tuesday’s loss eliminates Benedictine from the NAC tournament, effectively ending their season after Saturday’s NAC Challenge game.