Game Notes: Aurora University @ North Central College (11/25/14)

Final Score
NCC 67, Aurora 63

Game Summary
This was a chippy game from the outset, as both defenses stepped up from the tip. The Spartans (2-2) had control for the first four minutes until the Cardinals (3-0) started to heat up. Aurora maintained its lead for a while then started swapping leads a couple times. Foul trouble started to catch up to them though and Cardinal threes started to fall. NCC built its lead until they were up 44-25 at the break. Momentum completely turned around in the second half; while the Cardinals were able to maintain their 19 point lead for a while, the Spartans went on a 15-0 run to narrow the gap to four with about two minutes left.

Key Stats

• Jayme Moten (NCC): 7-11 FG (5-8 3PT), 1-1 FT; 20 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl. Jamie caught fire in the first half, going 4-6 from beyond the arc and 5-7 overall. His two-pointer was an absolutely gorgeous layup where he subtly slowed down to draw contact and had the strength to bank it home. It was incredible.
• Charles Rosenberg (NCC): 5-13 FG (0-2 3PT), 1-2 FT; 11 pts, 12 reb (1 off), 6 ast, 2 stl. Rosenberg managed one point on a free throw in the first half before trying to take over in the second half. In the early stages, he did before the collapse started happening.
• Brandon Smith (AUR): 11-19 FG (5-9 3PT), 3-4 FT; 30 pts, 2 reb (1 off), 1 ast. Smith pretty much singlehandedly keyed the Aurora comeback in the second half. I had a couple fans behind me asking what he finished with on my way out, that's how good he was. He almost keyed a comeback win, but the Cardinals held on.

Final Thoughts
This was a very chippy game. I know I said that in the summary, but it needs mentioning twice. There was a lot of physical play, and some ticky tack stuff was called. The Cardinals also got away with a couple flops in the first half. It got to the point that Aurora coach James Lancaster pulled a Grey Giovanine and took off his jacket angrily during a time out. The tables turned a bit in the second. Aurora got away with a foul that shouldn't have been called, but it evened thigs out a bit.

NCC now hits the road for eight straight to close out the non-conference slate. The women have a couple more home games before CCIW play yet, starting on Saturday.