Box ScoreThe Augustana men's basketball team had four players score in double figures, but it wasn't enough as Athletes in Action pulled away for a 95-87 exhibition victory Tuesday night at the Elmen Center.
Augustana played well most of the night. The Vikings led 43-42 at halftime after shooting 53 percent (17-for-32) from the floor in the first half. Augie limited Athletes in Action to 36.7 percent (11-for-30) shooting, but AIA stayed in the game by making all 14 free throw attempts.
The second half saw Athletes in Action heat up from the field. AIA shot 63 percent (17-for-27) from the floor, including 8 of 11 shooting from 3-point range.
Augustana led 50-49 with 16:41 left in the game when Athletes in Action went on a 13-3 run to take a 62-53 lead with 13 minutes to play. The Vikings responded with a 10-2, including 6 points by
Marques Blank, to trim the lead to 64-63, with 10:55 on the clock.
Athletes in Action gradually pulled away, leading by as many as 12, 88-76, with 2:43 remaining.
Nick Olson led Augie in scoring with 14 points.
Excell Hardy was next with 13 points, to go along with 7 assists.
Tom VerDouw and
Joey Ryan added 10 points apiece.
All five starters reached double digits for Athletes in Action. Brian O'Neal led the way with a game-high 23 points, including 7-for-10 shooting from 3-point range. Jarrod Lovette had 17 points, while Kenny Smith added 16. Eric Brand chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tim Gray contributed 10 points.
Augustana will play one more exhibition game before officially kicking off the 2005-06 season. The Vikings will play at Illinois State on Wednesday, November 9.
