The Spartans (13-9, 6-1 NIIC) enjoyed a 21-8 run in the last eight minutes of the contest to break open what had been a very competitive game throught the night. The first half featured six ties and lead changes. Eric Heider converted a three-point play following an Andrew Walton steal as Eureka (4-18, 0-7) took its largest lead of the night at 27-20 with 11:07 left in an entertaining first half.
Later, Eureka cashed in on a rare five-point possession when freshman Mark Darnall was fouled off the ball at the same time Peffer made a three-pointer. Darnall followed with two free throws. But, that was the only possession EC scored on in the last three minutes and Aurora took a 46-44 lead into halftime.
Richard tied the score at 46 with a jumper to begin the second frame only to see Larry Welton and Dusty Magee combine for 23 points for the Spartans in the first 10 minutes of the half. Aurora led 71-59 when Eureka launched one final offensive with treys by Brady Wildenradt and Peffer to get within six. However, Aurora was able to pull away at the end, eventually going up by 19.
Peffer made five of his nine three-point attempts on the night, while Richard led EC in rebounding with seven. Walton has seven assists. Wildenradt chipped in nine points. Heider played just five minutes before being forced out of the game due to a head injury.
Welton led Aurora with 34 points, 20 coming in the second half. Magee was the only other Spartan in double figures with 25. He also dished out seven helpers. Chad Trudo grabbed 10 boards.
Both teams shot 49-percent, had 22 assists and made 14 free throws. Aurora shot 14-of-28 from three-point range and enjoyed a 27-8 edge in points off turnovers.
Eureka will take on Clarke College at the Reagan Center Saturday, Feb. 11 in the second game of a NIIC women's/men's basketball doubleheader. The women's game will start at 3:00 p.m. with the men's game slated for 5:00 p.m. Clarke's men's team defeated Benedictine on Wednesday to stay in a first place tie with Aurora.