AURORA, Ill. – Brandon James (Jr.-Rockford, Ill.) exploded for a career-high 33 points but the Lakeland University men's basketball team was unable to match Aurora (Ill.) University's hot shooting in a 96-80 loss in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play Sunday afternoon.

James made 10 of 16 shots from the field, including all six of his three-point attempts, as well as 7 of 8 free throws. The Muskies lost to Aurora for the second time this season, though, this time in a game that had been rescheduled after a postponement from its original date in December.

Lakeland (7-10 overall, 5-8 NACC) shot 53.3% in the first half (16 of 30) and trailed just 48-44 at halftime, making up much of a late 11-point deficit. James scored 19 of his points in the first half and Pat McDonald (So.-Port Washington, Wis.) added 12 more, with the two combining for five three-point baskets in a half where jump shots were plentiful, with the two squads combining for 13 threes.

The Muskies never led in the second half, getting within a point on two occasions early before Aurora (11-6 overall, 9-3 NACC) slowly pulled away. Lakeland made just 12 of 31 from the field in the final 20 minutes (38.7%), and the Spartans took firm control with a 9-0 run late to turn an eight-point game into a 17-point bulge with just over four minutes left.

James also finished with eight rebounds while McDonald added five boards and four assists. Joshuan McNeal (Jr.-Chicago, Ill.) was the lone other Muskie to score in double figures with 10 points plus six rebounds.

Lakeland finished shooting 45.9% (28 of 61) and drained 10 of 18 three-point attempts (55.6%) and 14 of 18 from the foul line (77.8%).

Aurora made 50.7% from the field (35 of 69), including 11 of 29 from behind the three-point arc (37.9%) and 15 of 17 from the line (88.2%). Ty Carlson and Max Vickers both had big double-doubles, with Carlson finishing with 25 points and 11 rebounds plus five assists and Vickers adding 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The Muskies return to play Wednesday when they travel to face Concordia University Wisconsin at 7 p.m. in Mequon.