Chicago, Ill — Illinois Tech Women's Basketball couldn't keep pace with Aurora University  falling 71-50 at the Keating Sports Center. The Scarlet Hawks' bench chipped in 23 points, but 24 turnovers proved costly as Aurora turned those into 23 points. Illinois Tech now holds a 2-6 record overall and is 1-2 in conference play. Aurora's standing improves to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in the NACC.

How It Happened
Aurora came out strong in the first quarter, with Krystyna Manzanarez opening the scoring at 9:04. Illinois Tech struggled to maintain possession, committing six turnovers that Aurora exploited with four steals. Chloe Churilla provided a spark with a layup just before the quarter ended, but Aurora led 17-7, thanks in part to a three-pointer from Paulina Geyrhalter and a fast-break layup by Kylie Fischbach.

The second quarter saw Aurora widen the gap, fueled by Manzanarez's inside and outside game, including a three-pointer at 5:52. Illinois Tech's turnover woes continued with eight more, which Aurora took advantage of with seven steals. Miabella Spica found Abigail Marino for a three at 4:10, but Aurora stayed in control. Grace Goodnough's free throws brought the halftime score to 37-18 in favor of Aurora.

Aurora continued to dominate in the third quarter, beginning with a layup by Dani Antione just 13 seconds in. Illinois Tech answered with Goodnough's layup, assisted by Camden Joko, yet Aurora quickly pulled away with fast-break baskets from Manzanarez and Riley Doggett. Churilla added a layup and free throws for the Scarlet Hawks, but Aurora kept the pressure, with Alina Anderson scoring consistently in the paint, including a key layup at 6:05. Aurora outscored Illinois Tech 24-9 in the quarter, highlighted by a three from Courtney Schuk with 28 seconds left.

In the fourth quarter, Illinois Tech rallied, with defensive plays from Joko and scoring from Churilla and Peters, who hit two crucial three-pointers. Despite a strong effort to close the gap, Aurora held on for a 71-50 victory.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Chloe Churilla  
- 16 points  
- 4/6 free throws made  
- 3 steals  

Uma Peters  
- 11 points  
- three 3-pointers  

Berit Rusing  
- 5 steals  
- 3 assists  
- 3 rebounds  

Aurora Top Performers  
Krystyna Manzanarez  
- 19 points  
- 4 steals  
- 3 assists  
- 6 rebounds  

Alina Anderson  
- 8 points  
- 5 steals  
- 1 block  
- 4 rebounds  

Kylie Fischbach  
- 12 points  
- 1 steal  
- 1 assist  

Aurora Eklund  
- 4 points  
- 2 steals  
- 7 rebounds  

Game Notes:  
- Lyla Barr scored her first 2 points of her career.  
- Uma Peters reached a career-high with 11 points.

Up next
Illinois Tech is heading to California to take on Pomona-Pitzer on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. CT.