MINNEAPOLIS — Augsburg University secured a 74-61 victory over Saint Mary's University in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's basketball game on Wednesday evening at Si Melby Hall. Augsburg took control early with a 40-28 lead at halftime, powered by their ability to convert turnovers into 23 points. The Cardinals struggled to keep pace, despite a balanced scoring effort in the second half.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 74, Saint Mary's 61
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 12-3 overall (5-1 MIAC), Saint Mary's 1-15 overall (0-7 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg opened the first half with a strong defensive play as Isaac Rabaey, who connected on a season-best 7-of-9 from the field for his 14 points, stole the ball from Jackson Harvey at 19:48, setting the tone early. Hanif Muhammad capitalized on the opportunity by sinking two free throws, contributing to an early 6-3 lead. Notably, this marked the sixth time Muhammad scored in double figures as an Auggie. Augsburg's fast-paced offense was bolstered by efficient shooting from beyond the arc, with Daveion Hart hitting two 3-pointers, the second of which extended their lead to 30-14 at 9:23.

Augsburg capitalized on Saint Mary's turnovers, with Muhammad and Rabaey each contributing to a 12-3 scoring run that extended the lead to 18-8 by the midway point of the first half. Saint Mary's responded with Isaiah Ronning's three-pointer and Reid Klug's layup to narrow the gap, but Augsburg's consistent scoring maintained control. The Auggies' defense forced 12 turnovers by Saint Mary's, further widening the gap. The home team dominated in scoring from turnovers and second-chance points with 17 and 6 points, respectively. Augsburg finished the first half with a 12-point lead, heading into the break with a 40-28 advantage.

Augsburg maintained its momentum in the second half with a sequence of strategic plays. Elias Batala's defensive rebound and subsequent layup at 19:48 set the tone early, while Rabaey and Muhammad contributed crucial baskets, helping push Augsburg's lead. Batala's performance was notable as he scored in double figures for the 12th time this season, adding a season-high nine rebounds.

A significant moment came when Batala completed a fast-break dunk at 12:34, assisted by Ali Axmed, extending the margin. Augsburg's defense was pivotal, limiting the Cardinals with key stops, such as Rabaey's defensive rebound at 15:27. Rabaey and JJ Semanko added to the scoring with layups, maintaining Augsburg's momentum. Semanko scored in double figures for the 13th time in the first 15 collegiate games of his career. Despite a late push by Saint Mary's, Augsburg's consistent scoring, including Batala's final dunk at the 15-second mark, ensured a 74-61 win.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Hanif Muhammad: 15 points, 4/4 free throws made, 3 steals  
• JJ Semanko: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals  
• Isaac Rabaey: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals  
• Elias Batala: 10 points, 4/4 free throws made, 9 rebounds  
• Daveion Hart: 6 points, 2 blocks  

SAINT MARY'S PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Reid Weckwerth: 23 points, 3/7 three-pointers made, 4 rebounds  
• Reid Klug: 16 points, 4/4 free throws made, 8 rebounds  
• Jackson Harvey: 8 points, 16 rebounds, 1 block  
• Sawyer Markham: 5 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds  

UP NEXT
• Looking ahead, Augsburg will face Concordia College-Moorhead in MIAC play on Saturday, Jan. 17. The game is set for 3 p.m. at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.