MARSHALL, Minn. – A 19-3 run to close the game lifted the Augustana men's basketball team to a 77-73 victory Saturday evening at Southwest Minnesota State.
 
The win secures a home game for the Vikings in the opening round of the NSIC Tournament.
 
Augustana was trailing 70-58 when sophomore Dylan LeBrun put the Vikings on his back to push them to victory with 3:52 remaining. LeBrun sank a 3-point basket as part of his eight points in the run. After junior Tyler Riemersma pulled the Vikings within a single-digit at 73-72 after a pair of free throws, LeBrun had a steal and fast-break dunk for a 74-73 lead with under 40 seconds on the clock.
 
After securing the rebound after forcing SMSU into a tough shot, Riemersma went back to the free throw line and extended the lead to three points before LeBrun made the final score 77-73 with a free throw of his own.
 
The victory improves Augustana's record to 18-10 overall and 13-9 in conference action. The victory is the fifth-straight for Augustana and sixth in the last seven games. Southwest Minnesota State falls to 8-20 on the season and 5-17 in NSIC play.
 
LeBrun scored a game-high 20 points while Adam Dykman and Riemersma each tallied 16 points. Augustana shot 49.2 percent from the field on 29-of-59 shot attempts and sank 9-of-16 3-point shot attempts.
 
The Mustangs were led by Grant Kramer with 17 points as they shot 54.9 percent from the field.
 
Augustana's advantage came on 21 points from turnovers and a 12-3 margin in second-chance baskets. The Vikings committed just four turnovers on the evening, matching the same number that the Vikings committed in the first matchup with the Mustangs.
 
Augustana now plays host to St. Cloud State on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. Stay tuned to GoAugie.com for ticket information.