SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Augustana University women's basketball team (12-6, 7-4 NSIC) fell short of their upset bid of the 18th ranked Dragons of MSU Moorhead on Friday. The Vikings were led by Naomi Rust who tied a career-high with 17-points, but it wasn't enough as the Vikings fell 65-55.

In what would prove to be a low shooting percentage night for both teams, Augustana got on the board first as Shelby Selland took a pass from Logan O'Farrell for two. The two teams then traded baskets until it was tied at 9-9 tie with three minutes left in the first quarter. Scoring was scarce throughout the first frame but with the score tied at nine MSU Moorhead (14-1, 11-0 NSIC) went on a 6-0 run to end the quarter with a 13-9 lead. Neither team was able to score in the final 2:30 of the half.

After MSU Moorhead scored first to open the quarter, Logan scored on a layup to end the Dragons 8-0 run and make it 15-11 MSUM. Augustana got a spark from Naomi Rust, who scored four-straight points, and Sydney Rome who picked off a pass and turned it into a layup to tie the game at 17.

With the game tied at 17 the Dragons scored four points of their own to take the lead back at 21-17. The quick scores from MSUM didn't phase the Vikings as Selland connected on back-to-back baskets to make it 21 all. Augustana went into the break trailing 28-21 after MSUM ended the half on a 7-0 run.

Out of the locker room the Vikings trailed by seven but quickly got to within four after Rust knocked down a three. The Dragons used a small 6-1 run to take a 36-27 lead but five straight points from Lynsey Prosser pulled Augustana to with four once again. MSU Moorhead scored five points of the own and the Vikings deficit was again nine points. The two teams traded baskets the rest of the quarter and the Vikings went into the fourth trailing 46-39.

The final quarter started out  bad for the Vikings as MSUM opened with a 12-4 run that spanned five minutes. In the final five minutes of the game the Vikings outplayed MSU Moorhead, outscoring them 12-7, but it wasn't enough as Augustana fell to the 18th ranked Dragons 12-7.  

Viking of the Game
Naomi Rust continues to be a force for the Vikings in the post, leading the team in scoring for a team-high fifth time this season. Rust scored 17-points on 6-of-12 shooting. She grabbed seven rebounds, picked up three steals and dished out one assist against the Dragons.

Viking Notables
• Augustana fell to16-8 all-time against MSU Moorhead
• The Vikings are now 8-4 against MSUM when the game is played in Sioux Falls
• The loss snaps Augustana's top game winning streak over MSUM
• This is Augustana's first losing streak of the season
• Three Vikings scored in double-figures: Rust (17), Selland (10) and Rome (10)
• Rust also led the team in rebounds with seven
• Prosser and Paige Peterson added five rebounds apiece
• The Vikings shot 33 percent from the field, their second-lowest percentage of the season
•  Augustana scored 10-points off 14 MSUM turnovers

Up Next
Augustana will be at home once again tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. against Northern State. The game against the Wolves will be streamed online via WatchESPN. Coverage links for the game can be found HERE.