ROCKFORD, Ill.— In a pre-Christmas break rematch, Rockford took the win from the Sabercats, 74-54, as they forced crucial late-game turnovers.

In the first game since Christmas break, Grant Brock led the Sabercats with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. James Hawley was another key contributor, pitching in 17 points, 4 rebounds and assists, as well as a steal.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 54-74 Rockford 
• Venue: Seaver Physical Education Center - Rockford University
• Location: Rockford, Ill.
• Attendance: 125
• Records: MBU (2-10), RU (5-7)

STORY 

At the outset, the Sabercats showed promise, putting up the first 5 points of the game. A well-balanced attack from inside the paint and behind the arc allowed the Sabercats to maintain control for the majority of the first half. With 7 minutes remaining in the half, the Regents finally took the elusive lead. They completely shut down the Sabercats' scoring for five minutes while taking a 10-point lead. With 2 minutes until halftime, the Sabercats roared to life, turning the tables on the Regents. Grant Brock scored 4 points in the paint, followed by 2 free throws from James Hawley. It looked like the Regents would go to the locker room with a 4-point lead, but Grant Brock had an entirely different plan. Snatching the ball from a Regent, Brock launched a buzzer beater, draining a half-court shot to cut the lead to just one point.

Unfortunately for the Sabercats, they couldn't seem to ride their momentum through the second half of the game. Although in striking distance for most of the half, the Regents capitalized on turnovers, bagging 20 points off turnovers in the second half alone, giving the Regents their margin of victory.

--Maranatha Starters: 4- Price (C), 10- Shank, 13- Hawley (C), 14- Cleveland, 21- Brock

STATS

• Last time: Rockford defeated Maranatha 91-64 earlier this season
• Series: Rockford leads the all-time series against Maranatha 17-1

OPPONENTS

• Rockford competes in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NCAA Dlll)
• Rockford finished last season with a record of 14-12.

NEXT

The Sabercats will travel to Grand Rapids, Mich., on January 15, 2025, to face the Grace Tigers at 7:00 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.