SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Undefeated at home this season, the Augustana women's basketball team battled down the stretch but couldn't overcome a slow start in a 75-55 loss to Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday. Augustana moves to 17-5 (9-4 NSIC), and Concordia is now 14-4 (10-3 NSIC).

After falling behind in the opening minutes of the game, the Vikings switched to a 1-3-1 full-court press and ended the first quarter on a 7-2 run to cut the lead to 17-13. Junior Abby Hora started the scoring for the Vikings as she scored the first four points to get the ball rolling.

Augustana used a quick start to the second quarter to cut the lead to 23-22 and then took a one-point lead with 3:48 in the quarter for their first lead of the game. However, the Golden Bears then used an 8-4 run to take a 31-26 lead at the intermission.

The Vikings answered with a 9-4 run in the third quarter to pull within 39-35, but that would prove to be the closest Augustana would get. Concordia St. Paul, scoreless for over three minutes in the third quarter, answered back with an 8-1 run to lead 49-38 at the end of three.

Augustana couldn't overcome Concordia St. Paul's hot shooting in the fourth quarter, 83.3 percent (10-of-12) from the field, as they were outscored 26-17 in the final 10 minutes.

Overall, the Vikings shot 32 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep. Hora led with 12 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds while Janelle Shiffler chipped in with 10 points for Augustana.

The Golden Bears shot 54.7 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from deep. Anna Schmitt led the way with 23 points and 7 assists.

Augustana looks to bounce back as they play Minnesota State (6-10, 3-9 NSIC) Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. You can also catch the game on MidcoSN and GoAugie.com/live

SOCIAL MEDIA:
For more information on the Viking women's basketball team, you can follow along on Twitter (@AugieWBB).