INDIANAPOLIS -- The Augustana men's and women's basketball fans once again showed their passion for Vikings basketball during the 2017-18 season, as both the men and women had the third highest attendance among Division-II schools, the NCAA recently announced.

In the 15 home contests, the men averaged 2,421 fans-per-game for a total of 36,327 fans that came out to the Elmen Center and the Sioux Falls Arena in 2017-18.

"We are extremely proud to represent Augustana, the community and region. Our fans are incredibly loyal and we thank each and every one of them," men's basketball head coach Tom Billeter said. "We are always top-5 in the country regarding attendance in a city where numerous forms of entertainment, professional sports and excellent high school activities are going on. We are fortunate to be in a basketball appreciative city and surrounding area."

The women averaged 1,945 fans during their 17 home games and saw 33,066 fans support them at home throughout the season.

"Augustana women's basketball fans have continued our tradition of great crowd support," women's basketball head coach Dave Krauth said, who saw his squad make a Sweet-16 run in the NCAA Tournament. "Our coaches and student-athletes draw on that excellent support, always appreciating the tremendous atmosphere at our home games."

The great crowds night in and night out saw the Augustana women win 29 games in 2017-18, including a 14-1 record at home and a share of the NSIC regular season conference championship.

Coming in with the second-highest women's basketball attendance numbers among Division-II conferences was the NSIC, which drew 186,105 fans over 229 women's basketball contests in 2017-18. Men's basketball in the NSIC drew 259,719 fans over the course of 248 basketball games, which was the third highest attendance among Division-II conferences.