Sioux Falls, S.D. --- The Minnesota State University women's basketball team came up short in the final minutes in an 80-72 loss to the Augustana Vikings Saturday night. With the loss the Mavericks fall to 1-2 (0-1 NSIC) while the Vikings move to 21-1 (1-0 NSIC).

In the opening minutes of the game, the Mavericks jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead before the Vikings responded with a six-point run of their own. After trading a couple of baskets, the first timeout came with the teams tied 10-10 and 4:49 remaining in the quarter. After four points from Augustana, Maddy Olson scored eight unanswered points including making five free throws as well as a three-pointer from the top of the key and going into the break, the teams were tied 22-22.

The Vikings opened the second quarter with a 7-0 run before Rachel Shumski ended the run with a put back basket. Augustana was ultimately able to fend off any significant runs from Minnesota State, and were able to take a 42-35 lead into halftime.

Olson led the Mavericks with eight points at the half while Shumski, Joey Batt and Brooke Tonsfeldt each recorded six points. Minnesota State outrebounded Augustana 27-22 in the first half and the turnovers were in favor of the Vikings, 6-5.

Olson opened the scoring in the second half with a three pointer from the right corner but Augustana was able to respond on the other end. The Mavericks continued to cut into the lead though, and after Joey Batt converted a pair of free throws, they tied the game at 48-48. The teams once again traded baskets to round out the quarter, and the Vikings entered the fourth with a 56-55 lead.

Minnesota State's pressure defense paid dividends to start the fourth quarter as it forced a couple of quick turnovers that were capitalized on as the Mavericks started with an 11-4 run to take a 66-60 lead. Augustana responded once more though, immediately rolling off a 14-2 run with several three-pointers mixed in.

In a game defined by runs, Minnesota State once again rallied off six straight points capped off by a layup from Tayla Stuttley that forced an Augustana timeout with :44 seconds to go as the Viking lead was cut to 74-72. After a Maverick turnover though, Augustana was able to salt away the game connecting on six free throws down the stretch and taking the 80-72 win.

Stuttley finished the game as the leading scorer for MSU with 16 points while also nine boards and four assists. Olson finished with 11 points while Batt and Rylee Menster each finished with 10.

Minnesota State edged out Augustana in rebounds 53-41 but free throws proved to be the difference maker once again as the Vikings recorded 21 compared to 13 for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks will play a second game with the Vikings tomorrow afternoon with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 p.m., at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.