SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- It proved to be another competitive game between longtime rivals Minnesota State and #21 Augustana Saturday evening, but it was the Vikings that were able to come away with the 83-81 win at Sioux Falls Arena.

With the loss, the Mavericks fall to 5-2, including a 1-1 record in NSIC action. With the win, Augie improves to 7-1 on the season, including a 3-0 record in conference play.

The first half saw four lead changes, but Augustana maintained the lead through the majority of the opening stanza. The Vikings held a nine-point lead at 13-4 with 15:32 to go in the half, but over the next nine minutes to Mavericks chipped away at their lead and eventually took the lead at 25-22 with 6:45 to go in the half.

The Vikings would then finish the half on an 18-6 run to carry a 40-31 lead into the locker room. 

Junior Charlie Brown led the Maverick offense in the first half with eight points, while senior Aarias Austin tallied six points and passed out four assists. As a team, MSU shot 35.5% from the field in the opening session as it hauled in 17 rebounds and passed out seven assists.

Jordan Spencer led all scorers in the first half with 12 points. Zach Huisken notched six points and six rebounds in the first half as well. As a team, Augie shot 48.3% from the field in the first half. The Vikings also went 8-of-8 from the free throw line as well.

Just under seven minutes into the second half the Vikings built a 10-point lead at 55-45 after a layup from AU's Adam Beyer. Five minutes later the Mavericks clawed their way back within one of the Vikings at 63-62 after a three pointer from senior Trey Sampson with 7:44 remaining. 

Unfortunately, the Mavericks could not overtake Augustana as it increased its lead to as many as eight points during the final three minutes. MSU trailed 82-74 with 32 seconds left, but three pointers from Sampson and Austin, to go along with a free throw from Austin, brought MSU back within one with four seconds left. An Augie free throw brought the final score to 83-81 in favor of the Vikings.

Austin led the MSU offense with 18 points, while Brown, senior Jon Fuqua and sophomore Joey Witthus each tallied 12 points. Austin led the Mavericks with seven assists as well, while Fuqua and freshman Kevin Krieger each brought down a team-leading seven rebounds. As a team, MSU shot 42.2% from the field, to go along with a 12-of-15 (.800) showing from the free throw line.

Beyer led Augustana with 22 points, while Spencer posted 20 points and eight assists. AU finished the game shooting 51.7% from the field and 17-of-19 (.895) from the line.

The Mavericks open their home schedule on Friday as they host the Winona State Warriors at Taylor Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
      
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