Marian University men’s basketball (13-9, 11-4 NACC) defeated Aurora 84-75 in overtime to clinch at least the No. 3 seed in the NACC Tournament.
- After Marian opened with a 13-11 lead Aurora was able to go on a 10-3 run to take a 21-16 lead with 5:36 until half.
- Marian dominated the remaining time until the break going on a 14-4 spurt to go ahead 30-25 at the break.
- Marian continued to use its momentum to open the second half scoring five unanswered to open the second half and lead 35-25.
- The Sabres built its lead out to as large as 17 at 53-36 with 10:03 left in regulation.
- The Spartans then chipped away at the lead the remainder of the half and converted a classic three-point play with 11 seconds left to send the game to overtime at 70-70.
- Marian took control early in overtime scoring the first five points and outscoring the Spartans 14-5 in the extra time.
- Marian shot 31-of-61 (.508) from the field and went 7-of-22 (.318) from beyond the arc. The Sabres were 4-of-6 (.667) from the field and 6-of-6 (1.000) from charity stripe in overtime.
- The Spartans were 25-of-61 (.410) from the field and just 3-of-17 (.176) on three-pointers.
- Marian held a slim 38-36 advantage for points in the paint.
- With the win, Marian clinched at least the No. 3 seed for the NACC Tournament. The Sabres will need a win against Lakeland combined with two St. Norbert losses to move up to the No. 2 seed.
