SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Vikings quest for three wins in three days fell just short as Augustana (24-8) lost to the University of Sioux Falls (27-5) in the NSIC/Sanford Health Basketball Tournament, 75-57.

The University of Sioux Falls got the scoring started as senior Taylor Varsho connected on a triple, but the Vikings Logan O'Farrell connected on a triple of her own on the very next possession. After Augustana took a 5-3 lead, USF used a 10-2 run to grab a 13-7 lead. The Cougars held onto that lead until late in the third quarter.

Paige Peterson was in the perfect spot to corral a Naomi Rust missed three and put it back for two points, and the lead. USF got the lead one more time in the quarter, but the Vikings 22-13 run at the end of the half gave Augustana the 29-26 lead heading into the locker room.

In the third quarter the momentum swung in the favor of the Cougars as they seemed to connect on everything they shot. USF outscored Augustana 29-8 in the quarter, shooting 60 percent from the field and 75 percent from behind the three-point line. Augustana seemed to have a lid on their basket, making just one basket, a jumper by Sydney Rome. Augustana shot a season low five percent in the quarter.

The Vikings fared better in the the fourth quarter scoring 20 points but the Cougars lead was to much to overcome as Augustana fell to USF 75-57 in the NSIC Tournament title game.

Sophie Kenney was awarded for her strong tournament play, being named to the NSIC All-Tournament team.

VIKING QUICK HITS
• Kenney led the Vikings in scoring with 15 points. Rome was the only other Vikings in double-figures with 10
• Augustana shot 24 percent in the game while USF shot 47 percent
• USF's Varsho led all scores with 23 points. She was named tournament MVP
• Augustana's largest lead was six points
• Kenney made 24 straight free throws between the last three games

UP NEXT
The Vikings will have to wait until the NCAA Selection Show on March 6 to see if they will make the NCAA Tournament. The selection will be aired on NCAA.com at 9:00 p.m. CT.