Aurora, Ill.- Concordia-Chicago opened up Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play against pre-season favorites Aurora University tonight.  The Cougars looked to avenge two losses last season to the Spartans, where Aurora averaged 110 points per game against CUC.  An encouraging first half for the Cougars where they controlled most of the half with hot shooting, but the defense was still shaky as CUC only managed to net a one point lead at half.  Unfortunately, the Spartans continued to shoot well from the floor in the second half, while the Cougars couldn't find as much success as they did in the first half.  Aurora closed out the game to win by the final score of 108-94. 

The Cougars shot 45% (37-82) from the field, while the Spartans shot 48% (43-90).  Mitch Pelissier was the leading scorer for the Cougars with 18 points (7-15) and eight rebounds followed by Jarek Hotwagner with his first double-double of the season with 16 points (7-12) and 11 rebounds.   

First five minutes of the game featured both offenses on fire from the floor and very little defense.  The Cougars jumped out to an early three point lead featured by CUC's front court of Hotwagner and Jonathan Wilson scoring 15 of the Cougars 18 points.  Concordia-Chicago jumped out to their largest lead of the game at 29-22 midway through the half as Israel Dosie beat the defense to find Hotwagner wide open under the basket.  

The Spartans quickly erased the seven point lead with a 10-0 run of their own before a Dosie layup and a Hotwagner three gave the Cougars a two point advantage.  CUC's leading scorer Pelissier finally started getting in on the action with a dazzling layup and two free throws to give the Cougars an eight point lead late in the first half.  Adding another bucket and up ten, Aurora again responded with a run of their own with three straight threes to cut the lead to 52-51 lead at halftime.  

The Spartans came out in the second half on a quick 9-0 run hitting three threes to give them a 60-52 lead and force a CUC timeout.  After that run, the Spartans didn't look back from there as they were more consistent from the floor, while the Cougars couldn't get a defensive stop.  Aurora used their outside shooting to a 108-94 victory.    

The Cougars (0-2, 0-1 NACC) will return to action this Saturday when they host Saint Mary's (Minn.) for the first time in program history.  Tip-off is set for 4:00pm.