Spartans Escape Falcons on Senior Day

MEQUON, Wis. - The Concordia University Wisconsin men's basketball team honored its seniors on Saturday afternoon in a thrilling Senior Day matchup against the Aurora Spartans. The game featured nine lead changes and six ties, with the Falcons ultimately falling 66-67 in a dramatic finish.

The loss dropped CUW's record to 13-10 overall and 10-6 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play, snapping their season-long five-game win streak.

Seniors Adam Bruins (Oak Creek, Wis.) and Jonah Jurss (Sheboygan, Wis.) both knocked down early three-pointers, giving the Falcons an 8-7 lead.

For much of the first half, the Spartans maintained a slight lead, but the Falcons kept it close. Junior Jack Fritz (Columbus, Wis.) was a key contributor in the opening period, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, along with two free throws for 10 points. Sophomore Matt Merlo (Random Lake, Wis.) also made his mark, scoring 10 points in the first half, including a three-pointer, five made free throws, and a layup.

At halftime, the Falcons trailed by four, 36-40.

In the second half, the Spartans built their lead to nine points with 15:37 remaining. However, the Falcons fought back to cut the deficit to two, highlighted by Merlo's layup off a Fritz assist, followed by an electrifying dunk from Fritz after a steal and fast break pass from Merlo.

Despite the rally, Aurora responded and stretched their lead back to seven. With six minutes left, CUW trailed 56-63.

The Falcons then began to chip away at the lead. Verhagen scored back-to-back layups, and Fritz followed with an offensive rebound and second-chance bucket. Verhagen then sank four straight free throws, bringing the Falcons within one, 62-63, with 2:13 remaining.

In the final moments, CUW and Aurora exchanged baskets, with the Falcons trailing 64-65. After a strong defensive stand, the Falcons regained possession with six seconds left. With time winding down, Verhagen hit a clutch elbow jumper fading to his left, giving CUW a 66-65 lead with just 1.6 seconds remaining.

However, a late foul call allowed Aurora to seal the game with free throws, and they converted, securing a 67-66 victory.

Verhagen led the Falcons with 19 points and three steals. Fritz had a career-high 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting, along with two steals and a block. Merlo also reached double figures, contributing 11 points,  including two three-pointers, 10 rebounds, and a team-high three steals. For Merlo, that marked his second double-double of the season, the last, coming against Aurora earlier this season.

The Falcons will now turn their attention to the final two road conference games of the regular season, starting with a matchup at Benedictine on Wednesday.