ROCKFORD, Ill.-The Rockford University men's basketball team returned to action Saturday after 13 days off due to the holiday season. Lakeland College visited the Seaver Center and escaped with a victory by the final of 98-89. Rockford battled with Lakeland throughout the entire game before faltering in the final minutes.

The Regents began the contest with a quick 4-0 start before the Muskies answered with their own 11-6 run to take the lead at 11-10. The game continued with the back and forth battle between each team as Rockford took the lead into halftime 55-52. John O'Bryan (Richmond, Ky.) was magnificent in the first half as he carried the Regents with 24 points on 7-11 from the field and 10-11 from the free-throw line. Offensively, Rockford was on fire in the first half shooting the ball at almost a 68% clip. Unfortunately the Regents cooled off in the second half shooting just over 33% from the field. With 11 minutes left Rockford took a 5 point lead 72-67, their largest lead of the game, before faltering down the stretch. Lakeland than went on a 31-17 run to finish the game and ultimately defeat Rockford by the final of 98-89.

The Regents were led by O'Bryan with a game-high 30 points. He has now scored in double-figures in the past six contests, including 52 points in the last two games. Michael Murray (Princeton, Ill.) was outstanding today as well recording his seventh double-double on the season with 23 points and 10 rebounds. He leads the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in double-doubles this season. Zach Wallace (Rockford, Ill.) played well for the Regents collecting 17 points with 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

The Rockford University men's basketball team will return to action Wednesday, January 6 to take on Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Ill. with a scheduled start time of 5 p.m.