SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A double-double from
Aislinn Duffy and a third-quarter spark pushed the Augustana women's basketball team to a 75-64 over Minot State Friday night inside the Sanford Pentagon.
Duffy's first career double-double consisted of 17 points and a season-high 14 rebounds. The 17 points are one shy of a season-best for the redshirt freshman.
Augustana, who has won six of its last seven games, improves to 12-7 overall and 8-7 in NSIC action. Minot State drops to 4-15 and 1-14.
The Vikings struggled to find a firm footing in the first half, trailing 33-29 at the break. It was the third quarter that saw Duffy go off for 11 points as the Vikings outscored the Beavers 26-19 in the quarter. Augustana captured the lead on a pair of Duffy free throws at 43-41 as part of a 14-4 Viking run.
The Beavers answered the free throws to knot the game at 43-all but freshman
Lauren Sees sank a 3-point basket to keep the momentum in the Vikings' favor. Augustana concluded the third quarter holding a 55-52 advantage.
The offense came alive in the third quarter and the defense locked down in the fourth as the Vikings pulled away for the 75-64 win. Minot State, who shot 40.9 percent from the field for the game, shot just 23.5 percent in the final quarter on four made field goals.
Augustana shot 42.4 percent from the field in the game with three in double-figure scoring. Joining Duffy was junior
Hannah Mitby with 13 points and senior
Abby Hora at 12 points.
As they have all year, the Vikings capitalized off forced turnovers, tallying 17 fast break points and 11 points off turnovers while committing just eight turnovers themselves.
Augustana, who has now won three-straight on Heritage Court inside the Sanford Pentagon, looks to continue its momentum Saturday against UMary. The opening tip is slated for 3:30 p.m.
--GoAugie.com--
