Contact: Emily Adlfinger, Director of Athletic Communications, 563-588-7970

Nov. 13, 2021 – Following a season-opener victory on the road Wednesday, the Loras College men's basketball team (2-0, 0-0 A-R-C) checked a home-opener win off its list on Saturday, defeating the Rockford University Regents (2-1, 0-0 NACC) 103-87 with the help of six players scoring in double figures.

Rockford's TJ Lacey opened the game with a statement dunk in the opening minute but the Duhawks quickly took control with a three-ball by Rowan McGowen, a layup by Jackson Kolinski and another three by Ali Sabet. The Duhawks took a nine-point lead with 12 minutes to play in the first half following another three-pointer by McGowen and a layup by Alex Singleton, leading 24-15. A layup by McGowen gave Loras its first double-digit lead of the game, up 31-20 with 10:16 on the clock before a pair of free throws for Tyler Bass grew it to 45-30 a few minutes later. Loras closed out the first half with eight free throws, shooting 72 percent in the first 20 minutes of play, to hold a 55-44 advantage.

It took a few minutes for either team to find a groove but McGowen broke the scoring drought and Sabet followed with one of his own on the next possession. A three-pointer by Declam Ciurlik with 14:50 left in the game gave Loras its first 20-point lead, up 68-48, and a jumper by Bass off a pass from Sabet gave the Duhawks the largest lead of the game, 74-51 with under 13 minutes to go. The closest the Regents would get would be within 12 points off a pair of free-throws with under six minutes to go but the Duhawks remained relentless as Myles Barry made a layup for Loras' 100th point of the game and Griffen Clark solidified the home win with a three-pointer in the final seconds.

McGowen led Loras with 18 points as one of six players to score in double figures. Kolinski added a double-double with ten points and matching rebounds while Bass added 17 points off the bench, including a perfect 5-5 at the line, and Sabet scored 15 with a team-best three three-pointers and seven assists. Navigato had eight rebounds to go with his 11 points. Declan Ciurlik also had 11 points and Myles Barry came away with three steals. The Duhawks' rebounding proved critical in the game, coming away with 42 to Rockford's 23 to score 25 second chance points.

The Duhawks are back home on Wednesday, Nov. 17 to host Greenville University. Tip-off inside the Patrick J. Lillis Athletic and Wellness Center is set for 7 P.M.