MINOT, N.D. — Opening up a two-game road trip in North Dakota, the Augustana women's basketball team used a strong finish to seal a 61-58 win over Minot State. The victory improves the Vikings to 19-5 (11-4 NSIC) and drops the Beavers to 9-12 (4-11 NSIC).

The Vikings kept a small lead in the final minutes of the game. Izzy Van Veldhuizen sunk one of her two free throw attempts with 17 seconds left. The next trip down the court the Beavers made a layup, and then fouled Abby Hora on the inbound pass where she made a pair of clutch free throws to give the Vikings the advantage for good. A buzzer-beating attempt from Minot State came up short.

Abby Hora led all scorers with 13 points in the win. Izzy Van Veldhuizen and Hana Metoxen each chipped in 11, while Lynsey Prosser and Janelle Shiffler dropping five points.

Allie Walter started the scoring on a layup, and the senior from Brandon Valley went on to chip in five points in the win.

The Vikings got out to a slow start going 6-of-17 from the field in the opening quarter, a mere 35.3%. After one quarter, the Vikings trailed 14-13.

Walter also started the second quarter scoring with a three, but from there, the the second quarter was a defense affair. By halftime, the Vikings trailed, 26-20. Scoring five points apiece Hana Metoxen and Walter to led the Vikings at the break.

Abby Hora sunk a three ball to open up the second half, giving her seven of her 12 points on the night. The junior knocked down 4-of-12 from the field.

The fourth quarter was down to the wire, and the Vikings sealed their win on the road in the final seconds with a free throw from Hora.

On the night, Augustana knocked down 22-of-55 from the field (40%), grabbing 32 boards to the Beavers 31. Minot State shot 20-of-46.

The Vikings staple is their intense and aggressive defense, they forced the Beavers into 20 turnovers.

Coach Krauth and the Vikings return to action Saturday at 3:30 in Bismarck, N.D. to take on the U-Mary Marauders.