Box Score
Despite a career-high 23 points from
David Foster, the Augustana men's basketball team lost its season opener, 83-78, to Chadron State, Saturday night in Chadron, Neb.
The Vikings outrebounded the Eagles 38-to-33, but the Eagles were able to make two more field goals (28 to 26) and two more free throws (20 to 18) than the Vikings.
The season opener for both schools opened with several ties and lead changes as each team jockeyed to build a lead. The Vikings opened an eight point lead when Foster hit a 3-pointer to put the Vikings up 35-27 with 1:49 remaining in the first half. Chadron State was able to cut into the Viking lead late, and Augustana went into halftime up 37-33.
The Vikings were able to continue to hold a slight lead early in the second half. A layup by
Eric Krogman, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, put the Vikings up 44-37 with 17:08 to go, however, Chadron State quickly erased the lead and tied the game at 45 at the 15:18 mark.
Neither team would hold more than a five point lead the rest of the game. A jumper by
Lee Stephens would give the Vikings a 65-64 lead at the 7:59 mark, but it would be the last lead the Vikings would have for the evening. Chadron State pushed the lead to five with 3:11 to play, but late free throws by Krogman would bring the Vikings back within one with just under 2 minutes left.
After a made free throw by Chadron State,
Marques Blank was unable to hit a 3-pointer, and after another made layup put the Eagles up 4, Foster missed a jumper, and Chadron State sealed the win.
Stephens finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while
Cody Schilling scored 10 points in his Viking debut.
Jordan Dalton made one 3-pointer while dishing out 12 assists. Tim McLaurin led Chadron State, posting a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Vikings return to Sioux Falls for the Prairie Spirit Charitable Challenge versus the University of Sioux Falls Wednesday at the Sioux Falls Arena. The event is a doubleheader between each school's men's and women's basketball teams. The women's game will tip at 6 p.m., while the men are scheduled to tip at 8 p.m.
