SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A late offensive push in the fourth quarter from the Augustana women's basketball team was not enough to overcome Northern State, as the Vikings fell in the opening round of the 2022 NSIC/Sanford Health Women's Basketball Tournament, 76-66, on Wednesday night.

Northern State, the No. 5 seed from the NSIC North Division, improve to 13-14 overall. The Vikings close the year at 13-11.

Early in the first quarter Northern State made a convincing run, scoring 14-straight points to have a 20-9 advantage after 10 minutes of play. The Wolves took advantage of early fouls going 7-of-9 from the charity stripe, being a big reason for the early lead.

Northern State continued to get to the line in the second quarter, going 7-of-8 from the line, along with shooting 50 percent from the floor to outscore Augustana 21-16 in the quarter.

The Vikings outscored the Wolves 24-15 in the third quarter going 10-of-18 from the field, three of which were from long range. The big quarter offensively cut the Wolves lead to seven at 56-49 with 10 minutes left in regulation. 

The Vikings continued to chip away at the deficit with a hook shot by Aislinn Duffy and free throws by Vishe' Rabb making it a two-possession game. Moments later, Lauren Sees scored on back-to-back possessions to tie the game at 59-all at the 4:57 mark.

Augustana's momentum was taken away less than a minute later when Sees picked up her fifth foul. 

The two teams traded 3-point baskets with Rabb answering Kailee Oliverson's 3-pointer with one of her own.

After getting an offensive rebound, Northern State's Rianna Filippi would counter Rabb's triple to bring the Wolves back up by six points, ultimately forcing Augustana to foul before concluding the game 76-66. 

The Vikings were led by Duffy with 17 points and eight rebounds.

The Wolves were led by Laurie Rodgers with 19 points and 17 rebounds.

–GoAugie.com–