WINONA, Minn. – The Augustana women's basketball team erased a 12-point third quarter deficit to defeat Winona State, 68-62, inside the McCown Gymnasium on Saturday night.

Augustana rises to 5-5 overall and 2-5 within the NSIC while Winona State falls to 5-6 overall and 2-5 within the loop.

Winona State came out strong in the third quarter shooting 55.6 percent from the floor halfway through the quarter to take its largest lead of the game at 45-33. From there, the Vikings took over as they allowed the Warriors just a single point through the rest of the quarter.

A steal by Kenzie Rensch led to a basket in transition for Jennifer Aadland to cut the Warriors lead to three heading into the final quarter of play, 46-43.

After having little success through the first three quarters from beyond the arc, Augustana made two 3-pointers in a row. First, a long-range shot by Lauren Sees, then Vishe' Rabb to bring the game to within one at 52-51 with 7:49 remaining.

After forcing a tough shot from WSU, the Vikings took their first lead of the game since early in the second quarter on a pair of Michaela Jewett free throws with 7:08 on the clock.

The two squads then traded baskets until a layup from Rabb would give Augustana a four-point lead with 2:42 to go, causing a Warrior timeout.

Despite efforts from the Warriors, Augustana was able to withstand late-game fouls and make free throws to ensure the victory with the final score being 68-62.

Sees led the Vikings with 17 points while Aislinn Duffy led the team in rebounding having 12 to go with her eight points.

Rabb accounted for 16 of the Vikings' points while having two rebounds and two steals.

Aadland secured 11 points while grabbing seven rebounds.

The Warriors were led by Caitlin Riley with 20 points and Emma Fee with nine rebounds.

Up Next

The Vikings have one game between them and the New Year as Augustana welcomes Dakota Wesleyan to the Sanford Pentagon on Monday slated for a 7 p.m. tipoff.

–GoAugie.com–