ROCKFORD — As the postseason conference tournaments approach, the Rockford University men's and women's basketball teams are peaking at the right moment, setting new school records and earning accolades.

In response to numerous games lost due to COVID-19, the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference (NCAA 25 Coins) has revamped its postseason format. This year, all teams will qualify for the tournament, deviating from the usual six-team format. Seeds will be determined by winning percentages, and the single-elimination tournaments will kick off on February 19 for both men and women. The men’s finals are slated for February 26, while the women’s championship will be held on February 27.

Both Rockford teams were on the cusp of qualifying under the old format but are now poised to potentially host a game in the revamped setup.

**Men's Team on Fire**

The Rockford Regents men's team is entering the postseason with momentum. In a spectacular performance, Brandon Emerick led the charge with five three-pointers as the team set a new school record by making 20 three-pointers in a 101-64 victory over Aurora. This win, marked by a 37-point margin, is the largest margin of victory Rockford has achieved over Aurora since the schools joined the NACC in 2006.

“It was one of the best shooting performances I've ever been a part of,” Emerick said. He is also on the verge of breaking the NACC record for career three-pointers, currently tied with 263. “That game was a huge confidence booster for us, and it came at just the right time.”

With a recent run of five wins in their last six games, Rockford (14-7) has solidified its position. Despite a three-game losing streak earlier in the season, the Regents are now set to focus on their postseason potential rather than just qualifying. They will conclude the regular season with games at Marian and a home match against Concordia Chicago. Rockford is currently tied for sixth place in league standings with an 8-6 record, with the top eight teams hosting a first-round game.

The Regent men fell in the NACC championship game last year, but with their current form, they are set to be a formidable contender this season.

**Women's Team Update**

Stay tuned for more updates on the Rockford women's basketball team as they also prepare for their postseason push. The excitement is building, and both teams are ready to make a strong impact in the upcoming tournaments.

**Rockford University Women’s Basketball Poised for Postseason with Key Honors and Momentum**

ROCKFORD — As the postseason conference tournaments draw near, the Rockford University women’s basketball team is gaining momentum, riding a three-game winning streak into their upcoming home game against Elmhurst.

**Anaya Davis: A Record-Setting Week**

The standout performer for the Regents has been Anaya Davis, who has been recognized with a pair of prestigious honors this week. The freshman forward, who earlier this season set a school record with 23 rebounds in a single game, achieved a historic double by being named to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week and earning the NACC Player of the Week award. She is the first player in program history to achieve both honors in the same week and only the fourth player ever selected to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week. This marks her third NACC Player of the Week award.

Davis had a phenomenal week, averaging 28.5 points and 20 rebounds per game in two road victories. She began with a dominant performance against Dominican, registering 25 points and 22 rebounds for her third 20-point, 20-rebound game of the season. She followed up with a career-high 32 points and 18 rebounds in a thrilling comeback win at Lakeland, bringing her season total to 17 double-doubles.

**Historic Season for Davis**

Davis is having a standout season for Rockford, currently leading the nation in double-doubles (17), total rebounds (280), and offensive rebounds per game (7.0). Additionally, she ranks fifth in free-throw attempts (156), rebounds per game (14.0), and ninth in made free throws (105). In the NACC, Davis leads in scoring (18.3 points per game), rebounding (14.0 per game), and is fourth in steals (2.4 per game).

**Upcoming Games and Postseason Outlook**

The Regent women are currently seeded seventh in the NACC Tournament and will aim to improve their position with a crucial home game against Elmhurst on Friday. They have a busy Cheap NCAA 25 Coins schedule ahead, with additional home games on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday leading up to their first postseason appearance since 2013.

With the team’s recent form and Davis’s exceptional performances, Rockford is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the upcoming conference tournament.