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Friday, December 3, 2010

No. 17 Augustana snaps seven-game winning streak in NSIC opener

MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State held No. 17 Augustana to shoot just 31.6% from the floor to snap a seven-game winning streak and defeat the Vikings 63-56 in the opening night of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play in Marshall, Minn.

The Vikings are now 7-1 (0-1 NSIC), while SMSU moves to 2-3 (1-0 NSIC).

Led by 13 points and eight rebounds, Kristi Board was one of four Vikings in double-figure scoring. Alex Feeney had 12 points and Megan Doyle and Molly Hayes each had 11.

Augustana struggled to put points on the board from the start of the game. The Vikings missed three scoring opportunities to begin the first period with a deficit.

Augustana remained on the heels of SMSU, trailing 12-10 midway through the period. However, with the Vikings down 19-18 and just under five minutes left , the Mustangs pulled comfortably ahead after scoring nine-straight points. Feeney hit a jumper to close the period 28-20 and break the Mustang streak.

The Vikings were 0 for 7 in three-pointers in the first half and SMSU went 3 of 9.

Turnovers plagued the Vikings as SMSU scored 11 of 28 points from turnovers.

At 14:11 in the second half the Vikings managed to tie the score at 35-35. Augustana wasn't able gain a lead from the knot in the score and instead the Mustangs edged a 10-point advantage, the largest yet of the game at 50-40.

The SMSU lead leveled off at 13 points with 1:51 left in the half. With the Vikings behind 57-44, Board, Doyle and Hayes combined for seven points in an effort to comeback. Despite the attempt and an improvement of Viking scoring, SMSU ended the game on top.

The Vikings had better ball control in the second half, and instead SMSU struggled.  Ten of Augustana's points in the final half came from Mustang turnovers.

The Mustang bench was strong, finishing the evening with 16 points, Augustana's had four.

SMSU's Abby Kenealy led all players with 20 points and nine rebounds.

Augustana continues NSIC play on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Minnesota State.

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