SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Augustana University women's basketball team (20-6, 14-6 NSIC) came away victorious Saturday night as they upset the 25th ranked Cougars of Sioux Falls 64-54 in the 2015-16 First Dakota National Bank Mayor's Cup Challenge. The Vikings victory also gives head coach Dave Krauth win number 550 in his brilliant career.

The Vikings weathered an early Cougar storm as USF (21-5, 15-5 NSIC) jumped out to quick 8-0 lead before Augustana was able to get on the board thanks to Presley O'Farrell and Sophie Kenney. But a spark off the bench was what kept Augustana in it early. That spark came from sophomore Paige Peterson who muscled her way down low for six straight points.

After the Vikings were able to tie the game at 11, USF went on a 10-0 run that spanned between the first and second quarters to grab a 10-point lead, their largest of the game. Augustana though would battled for the remainder of the second quarter by  outscoring the Cougars 15-9 in the final seven minutes of the half that was highlighted by Kenney you nailed a 15-foot jumper as the buzzer rang to give the Vikings some momentum at halftime.

The momentum that the Vikings gained became evident as Sydney Rome knocked down two big three pointers to open the quarter. After the Vikings grabbed the lead at 43-41 off a Logan jumper, the Vikings never looked back. With the crowd chanting "Augie, Augie, Augie" in the fourth quarter, the Vikings built a lead with buckets from Rome, Logan O'Farrell and Nicole Kerkhoff to make it 56-51. The Cougars were able to cut the Viking lead to five with 1:25 left but the Vikings would score the final five points of the contest to close out the upset and earn a .5 point in the Sioux Falls Mayor's Cup Challenge.

VIKING OF NOTE
Paige Peterson was a spark off the Viking bench against Sioux Falls. After being down 8-4 in the first quarter, Peterson used various offensive moves to score a quick six points. Peterson wasn't done there though as she ended the game with nine points in 12 important minutes of action. Peterson ended the game with three rebounds and an assists.

VIKING QUICK HITS
• Dave Krauth's 550th career win gives him the 16th most wins in Division II women's basketball history
• In the first half Augustana shot 35 percent from the field, 28 percent from behind the three-point arc
• The Vikings ended the game shooting 48 percent from the field and 46 percent from behind the arc
• In the first half USF shot 42 percent from the field, 26 percent from three but the Viking defense was lock down in the second half holding USF to just 30 percent from the field and 15 percent from three in the second half
• Three Vikings scored in double-figures: Kenney (12), Rome (13) and Logan (14)
• Kerkhoff came one rebound and point away from a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds, she also added four steals in the game
• Augustana led for a total of 13 minutes and 28 seconds compared to USF who led for over 23 minutes
• The VIkings defense allowed them to out score the Cougars 16-11 on points off turnovers
• As a team the Vikings caused USF to commit 17 turnovers, the most they have committed on 12 games
• With the win Augustana takes a 6-.5 led over Sioux Falls

UP NEXT
The Vikings will wrap up the regular season next weekend in comforts of the Sioux Falls Arena as Augustana will play host to Upper Iowa and Winona State. Tip-off against Upper Iowa is set for 6 p.m. on Friday while tip against Winona State is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday.