BOXSCORE

MINNEAPOLIS -- Matthew Quammen (SR, Victoria, Minn./Holy Family HS) hit a huge three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to break a tied score and give Augsburg College a 68-65 lead, as the Auggies went on to beat Macalester College 69-65 in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action on Monday night at Si Melby Hall. With the win, the Auggies playoff hopes remain alive as they attempt to clinch one of the six MIAC postseason playoff spots.

Quammen led Augsburg (14-10 overall, 9-10 MIAC) in scoring, shooting 6-for-13 from the field and adding three assists and two steals. Tyler Schmidt (SO, Le Sueur, Minn./Le Sueur-Henderson HS) finished with 12 points and two assists for Augsburg, while Cory Polta (JR, Spring Lake Park, Minn.) finished with a game-high eight rebounds. Ben Flavin (JR, Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North HS) led all players with a game-high seven assists.

Macalester (2-21 overall, 2-16 MIAC) was led by Kyle Hamblett, who finished with 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field.

The game featured eight lead changes and nine tied scores in what was a thriller from start to finish. After trailing 40-34 at the half, Augsburg tied the score 45-45 at the 16:32 mark off a three-pointer by Flavin. Neither team would lead by more than four points for the remainder of the contest.

With the score tied 65-65 with 36 seconds remaining, Augsburg set up for what it hoped was the final shot. Flavin drove baseline and kicked it out to Quammen, who swooshed a three with 11 seconds to play to go up 68-65. Macalester took a timeout to set up its play, but the Augsburg defense held firm and forced a turnover. The Scots were forced to  foul and Augsburg converted on 1-of-2 to claim its victory over Macalester.

For the game, Augsburg shot 45.5 percent (25-of-55), while Macalester connected on 50.0 percent (25-of-50) of its shots. The Scots finished with a 31-29 advantage on the boards but Augsburg forced 14 Macalester turnovers, while tying a season-low with five. The Auggies were able to outscore MAC 15-0 in points off turnovers in the second half, which proved to be a big difference in the game.

Augsburg and Macalester both return to action on Wednesday (2/16), with Augsburg hosting Gustavus and Macalester hosting Carleton.