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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Alex Richter turned in a career night as the Augustana men's basketball team powered its way to a 99-59 win over Mayville State on Monday night at the Elmen Center. The Vikings' record improved to 3-0 with the victory, while the Comets remained at 3-3 in an exhibition game for them.

Richter led the high-powered Augustana attack -- which scored a season-best 99 points against MSU -- with a career-high 22 points on his 22nd birthday. The Lakeville, Minn. native also pulled down five rebounds, and dished out a season-high two assists.

"It was a good feeling, but a better feeling overall just getting the win as a team," Richter said when asked about scoring a career-most 22 points on his birthday.

Richter has gotten this season off to the start he was looking for after a year away from the court due to injury. The junior is averaging 19.0 points through the first three games, one of three Vikings who currently average over 15 points per game, a good advantage going forward against teams trying to game plan against how to stop this potent offensive attack.

"It's real nice to have that ability. That is something we pride ourselves on. We are a deep team," Richter said. "If someone is having an off night, someone will be there to pick them up. If somebody goes down with an injury like we unfortunately have had a couple times already, it's next guy up. That is our mentality. Everyone is really focused in on that."

Daniel Jansen found his groove down low in the post, chipping in with a season high 21 points in the game. The big man shot a season-best 81.8 percent (9 of 11) from the field, which included a 1-for-3 night from behind the 3-point line. Jansen also added five rebounds and three assists, his third straight game with at least three assists, tying the longest stretch of his career.

Casey Schilling added 10 points and three rebounds for Augustana, ending a two-game run of double-doubles. Schilling did not need to deliver a big game tonight like he has been counted on to in the past, instead, the former Ellsworth High standout enjoyed the success of his fellow teammates.

 "You know Al had everything going for him tonight. He was really running the wing and getting easy buckets," Schilling said. "He had a fast-break dunk, and was shooting well. Everything was firing on all cylinders with him and especially Dan. We had a ton of guys play well tonight."

Mayville State was led by Chuck Robinson and Daniel Lindgren, who each scored 10 points in the loss.

Jansen came out aggressive early for the Vikings, scoring their first seven points as Augustana fought off some early turnovers to take a 15-11 lead at the under-15 media timeout against the Comets.

The Vikings made their move at the 9:25 mark, putting this game out of reach with a game-clinching 20-0 run on MSU to go up 43-17 with 2:53 left in the half. Augustana's huge run was highlighted by a several acrobatic dunks by Richter, Zach Huisken, and Adam Beyer.

A strong finish by the Vikings allowed for them to take a 49-22 lead into halftime.

The most impressive part of the Augustana's first half was its defense, which forced 18 turnovers from Mayville State in the first 20 minutes.

The Vikings also moved the ball well in the first half, getting 10 assists and off good ball movement and open looks at the rim, resulting in a blistering 61.3 percent (19 of 31) shooting from the field.

Augustana's dominance continued in the second half with the Vikings continuing to find the open man on the offensive side of the court. The Vikings handed out 12 assists in the final 20 minutes of the game.

Long-range shooting came into play in the second half for Augustana, as it made seven of its eight 3-pointers in the game during the half.

The Vikings also got the job done at the foul line, shooting 94.4 percent (17 of 18) in the contest, a new season high for the team.

Augustana returns to the hardwood on Wednesday in a matchup with Dakota State. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Arena.