Sioux Falls, S.D. —The Minnesota State Mavericks battled in a tough loss to the Vikings of Augustana, Saturday evening, 84-66.

The Mavericks opened the game allowing Augustana to score the first five points off a shot from the arc and a jumper. Senior guard Tiffany Moe put down a jumper for the Mavericks first points followed by a fast-break layup by freshman forward Sarah Wiens. The Vikings largest lead of the half was by 10 points with 4:25 left in the half

The Mavericks continued to battle with the Vikings closing in their lead, to finish out the half the Maverick held a six-point deficit to the Vikings. 

Leading the Mavericks in the first half was senior forward Liz Trauger with 11 points and Moe with 10 points. Minnesota State shot 41.7 percent from the field, and 25 percent from the arc, with no shots from the line. Both teams gave up five turnovers in the first half while MSU was outrebounded, 20-16.

The Vikings opened the second half with a jumper while sophomore guard Jennie Noreen put down the first two shots at the line for the Mavericks followed by a three from Trauger. The Mavericks cut the Vikings lead to two points with 14:40 left to go. The Vikings went on a 21-6 run to pull away with a 17-point lead with 7:23 left in the game. The lead would be enough to hold the Mavericks, finishing the game with an 18 point deficit.

The Mavericks were led by Trauger with 23 points, Moe with 14 and Wilkinson adding 10.  MSU was outrebounded, 40-32. Minnesota State shot 35.3 percent from the field, and 28.6 percent from the arc against the Vikings 53.2 percent from the field and 40 percent from the arc. MSU had 10 turnovers while the Vikings tallied 13.

The Mavericks now 10-8 overall and 5-6 in the NSIC will return home to host the Beavers of Bemidji State, Friday at 6 p.m. in the Taylor Center.

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