SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- With more than 3,000 fans in attendance and the energy level at a season-high, the Augustana men's basketball team used a dominant first-half performance to roll to an 81-65 win over Sioux Falls. The Vikings move to 17-10 (13-8 NSIC South), and the Cougars drop to 17-10 (12-9 NSIC South).

With the win, Augustana not only pushes their win streak to four games but moves into third place in the NSIC South. With a win on Saturday night and a pair of losses, the Vikings still have a shot at the division title.

Augustana head coach Tom Billeter was pleased with his program's effort tonight and also the crowd at the Elmen. 

"Thanks to all the students and the crowd who came out tonight. The energy in the building was outstanding and the crowd really helped set the tone from the start."

The story of Friday's crosstown tilt was the blistering start from the Vikings. Leading 10-5 a few minutes into the game, Augustana closed the half on a 40-17 run to take control by halftime. 

The Vikings success started on the defensive end, where they limited USF to just seven first-half field goals (22 percent), and forced seven turnovers. The 22 points mark the second-lowest of the season for the Vikings. Augustana held SD School of Mines to just 20 points back in Nov. of 2018. 

With great ball movement, the Vikings shot 54 percent in the first 20 minutes including 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Augustana finished the game with 21 assists, marking the third time in five games they've connected on 20 or more helpers. 

The Vikings were led by another all in effort from their program, with nine players registering a point and four hitting double-figures. Michael Schaefer started out strong and finished with a game-high 23 points, and Trevor Hanson recorded his second double-double in three games with 13 points and 10 rebounds. A.J. Plitzuweit finished with 13 points and a career-high 9 assists, and Dylan LeBrun made big shots to finish with 10 points. 

Friday night started out well for the home team. LeBrun scored on a turnaround off the glass, and following a steal by Plitzuweit, Hanson made it 4-0 with a bunny off glass. The hot start continued with a Hanson three, and Augustana had started the game 5-of-5 from the field. 

The Vikings continued to roll in the first half, and it all started with stops on the defensive end. Augustana limited the Cougars to a 6-of-21 start from the field with six turnovers.

The good defense turned to great offense for the Vikings. Plitzuweit started 2-of-2 from downtown, and following a jumper from Schaefer, Augustana had opened up a 42-19 lead. 

Jameson Bryan came off the bench and knocked down back-to-back triples, and by halftime, Augustana led 50-22.

The Vikings hit 17-of-32 shots (53 percent) and put up 50 points on the visitors, but truly separated themselves on defense where they limited to 21 percent from the field and just 2-of-12 from downtown. 

The Cougars started the half on a 6-0 run, but the Vikings found their footing minutes later. Both LeBrun knocked down another three to work his way to 10 points, and Beau Keeve came off the bench to contribute a career-high 6 points and 2 assists.

Plitzuweit also hit double-digits with a jumper, but the story of the game was the stout performance from Schaefer. The freshman used phenomenal footwork and position to knock down shot after shot on Friday.

The Vikings defense also shut down one of Sioux Falls biggest weapons as well. Drew Guebert, who came into Friday 6th in the NSIC in scoring at 20 points per game, fouled out midway through the second half with just eight points and one assist.

The Cougars hit a three with 5:33 to play and made it 72-56 game, but the Vikings finished on Friday night. Hanson hit a pair of hook shots and Plitzuweit followed with a left-wing three and the Vikings took control down the stretch, leading 79-60. 

Although USF outscored the Vikings 43-31 in the second half, the Vikings first-half lead was enough to hold off the visitors. 

The Vikings now have a quick turn around as they'll welcome in Southwest Minnesota State for a 5:30 p.m. start at the Elmen Center.