Spartans Sneak Past Falcons

AURORA, Ill. – The Concordia University Wisconsin men's basketball team dropped to 0-5 overall and 0-2 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play after falling 75-68 to the Aurora Spartans on Tuesday evening.

The Falcons came out strong, jumping to an early 9-0 lead with all of their points coming from sophomore Matt Merlo (Random Lake, Wis.) and junior Jack Fritz (Columbus, Wis.). However, Aurora quickly found its rhythm, tying the game at 15-15 with 14:13 remaining in the first half.

Determined to defend their home court, the Spartans gradually pulled ahead, building a 33-25 lead with just under six minutes left before halftime.

Concordia responded, cutting the deficit to just two points, 37-35, after a driving layup and a pair of free throws from sophomore Casey Verhagen (Sheboygan, Wis.). Despite the Falcons' rally, Aurora held a slim two-point advantage at the break.

Out of halftime, senior Zach Leahy (West Dundee, Ill.) quickly tied the game at 37-37 with a layup, marking the first tie since the 14:13 mark of the first half. The rest of the contest remained tight, with neither team gaining a significant lead.

Midway through the second half, a layup by junior Logan Landers (Cedarburg, Wis.) brought CUW within three points, 51-48. Later, a clutch three-pointer by sophomore Jacob Christjohn (Milwaukee, Wis.) trimmed Aurora's lead to just one, 58-57, with nine minutes left.

However, the Spartans responded with a late surge, pushing their lead back into double digits. Although the Falcons mounted a comeback and cut the deficit to four points with four minutes remaining, Aurora would not be denied, holding on for the 75-68 victory.

Despite the loss, four Falcons scored in double figures. Landers led the team with 15 points and eight rebounds on 5-of-8 shooting. Merlo and Verhagen each contributed 14 points, with Merlo also recording his first career double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds. Fritz added 13 points, a team-high five assists, and three blocks, showcasing his all-around game.

As a team, Concordia dominated the paint, outscoring Aurora 44-32 inside and pulling down 29 defensive rebounds compared to the Spartans' 24.

The Falcons will look to rebound when they travel to Rockford to face the Regents on Saturday at the Seaver Center.