MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University secured an 86-71 victory over Macalester College in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game on Saturday at Si Melby Hall. The Auggies capitalized on a strong third quarter, outscoring the Scots 29-17, to build a decisive lead. The home team converted 12 three-pointers and out-rebounded the Scots 45-34, while Macalester struggled despite forcing 15 steals.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 86, Macalester 71
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-8 overall (2-4 MIAC), Macalester 1-11 overall (0-6 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The game commenced with the Auggies and the Scots trading leads in a closely contested first quarter. Augsburg's Saylor Gallagher contributed significantly, securing a defensive rebound and notching a fast-break layup at 5:42 to tie the game at 9-9. Wakinyela Bear's three-pointer at 7:10 also highlighted Augsburg's offensive efforts. Despite Macalester's Sydnee Smith and Megan Matthews keeping the visitors in contention, Lani Fonoti's three-pointer at 1:15 helped the Auggies regain momentum. The quarter concluded with Tyliah Frazier's last-second jumper, giving Augsburg a narrow 20-18 lead.

Augsburg seized control in the second quarter with a strong 16-3 run. Fonoti's 3-pointer at 8:21, assisted by Frazier, was a key moment that extended Augsburg's lead. Sydney Hazuga contributed with a fast break jumper at 1:44, pushing the advantage further. Augsburg's defense was also impactful, recording four steals and two blocks, limiting Macalester's scoring opportunities. The Auggies outscored the Scots 22-12 in the quarter, leading 40-30 at halftime.

Augsburg asserted control in the third quarter with a key 3-pointer by Frazier at 9:44, assisted by Melanie Delestrez, which set the tone for their offensive momentum. Augsburg's defense was bolstered by Gallagher, who contributed a block and multiple defensive rebounds. The team maintained their lead as Delestrez added crucial points from both the field and the free-throw line. Augsburg effectively capitalized on turnovers, leading to a series of scoring plays, including a 3-pointer by Hazuga at 5:34. Their consistent performance throughout the quarter resulted in a 29–17 scoring advantage, concluding the quarter with a 71–47 lead. The game ended with Augsburg securing the win with a final score of 71–47.

Augsburg maintained their lead in the fourth quarter despite a strong offensive effort from the Scots. At 7:22, Jada Stanford scored a layup with an assist from Kaylee Buerman, extending Augsburg's advantage to 74–51. Macalester responded with a series of points in the paint, but Bear sealed the game by hitting two critical 3-pointers, the second at 2:21, pushing the margin to 84–66. Augsburg's defensive rebounds and timely shooting secured their victory, ending the game 86–71.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Wakinyela Bear: 15 points, four 3-pointers, 6 rebounds, 2 steals  
• Melanie Delestrez: 8 points, 12 rebounds  
• Tyliah Frazier: 8 points, 5 assists  
• Saylor Gallagher: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals

MACALESTER PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Cady Davis:  19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals  
• Mary Daley: 18 points, 6/9 free throws made, 5 steals  
• Megan Matthews: 14 points, 6/10 free throws made, 2 steals  
• Kendall Bernbaum: 3 points, 3 steals  

UP NEXT
• In their next matchup, the Auggies will travel to face Saint Mary's University on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. The game will take place in Winona, Minn.