Box Score MILWAUKEE – It's hard to win a game if you can't take care of the ball. MSOE men's basketball turned over the rock 19 times, but still stayed in the ballgame thanks to an impressive offensive effort. However, a last second shot just wouldn't go down as the Raiders lose by three.
RESULTS
Aurora – 93
MSOE – 90
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first half in today's game featured a lot of back and forth action with two large runs thrown in for good measure. The lead see-sawed between MSOE (4-6, 1-4 NACC) and Aurora (3-6, 2-2 NACC), with the game being tied or swung in one or the others favor ten different times. MSOE went on a 9-0 run early on in the period before Aurora changed the complexion of the game with one of their own. The Spartans scored 11 unanswered points as the opening 20 minutes ended, setting themselves up with a 50-34 lead entering halftime. AU would continue to run up the score, grabbing a lead as large as 20 points in the second half. The Red & White refused to go away and used their offensive leaders to keep pace with the Spartans. MSOE shot 62.5 percent from the field during the game and made their three pointers half of the time. However, their Achilles heel was how they controlled the ball. The Raiders committed 19 turnovers, leading to 29 points going the other way. MSOE never held the lead in the second half, but they still gave themselves a chance at the win. After two converted Aurora free throws, Michael Pitrof put up a tray attempt with just three second left, but the game tying shot wouldn't fall as the Raiders drop their fourth NACC game of the season.
RAIDER REMARKS
- With the game as close as it finished, one would think there would have been a lot of lead changes in the second half. However, all eight advantages occurred in the opening 20 minutes of play.
- Each team's bench was effective in this afternoon's contest. The Raiders back-ups contributed 25 points while their Spartan counterparts pitched in 23.
MSOE STAT TRACKER
Points – Michael Pitrof (27 – game leader)
Rebounds – Michael Pitrof (7 – game leader)
Assists – Josh Herzog (7 – game leader)
Steals – Travis Ballard & Will Busch (1)
Blocks – Will Busch (1)
WHO'S ON DECK
The Raiders will take the holiday season off before beginning the 2020 portion of their schedule. Up first will be Muskies of Lakeland on Saturday, Jan. 4th starting at 2:00 pm.
For up-to-the-minute MSOE Raiders news, visit us at www.go-raiders.com. You can also follow the Red & White on Twitter @MSOE_Raiders and @msoe_raiders on Instagram.
