WINONA, Minn. — Augsburg University fell to Saint Mary's University 89-40 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game on Wednesday evening at David R. Thies Arena, struggling against a dominant home team. The Auggies committed 25 turnovers, which Saint Mary's converted into 40 points, and were outscored 40-12 in the paint.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Saint Mary's 89, Augsburg 40
LOCATION: David R. Thies Arena, Winona, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-9 overall (2-5 MIAC), Saint Mary's 12-2 overall (6-1 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The game commenced with a quick 7-0 run by Saint Mary's, which included two 3-pointers. Augsburg responded with a 3-pointer from Wakinyela Bear at 6:46, assisted by Tyliah Frazier, narrowing the gap momentarily. This marked Bear's sixth game scoring in double figures this season. Despite this effort, Augsburg struggled with turnovers, committing six in the quarter, which impeded their scoring opportunities. Saint Mary's capitalized on Augsburg's miscues, extending their lead with efficient shooting and fast breaks. Bear provided a boost for the Auggies with another 3-pointer at 2:12, following a steal, but the home team maintained control. The quarter concluded with Augsburg trailing 29-14.

Augsburg faced a challenging second quarter as the Cardinals capitalized on turnovers early, leading to a significant scoring run. The Cardinals dominated the second quarter with strong defensive pressure and efficient scoring, outpacing Augsburg 24-10. Augsburg's offense struggled with eight turnovers, which Saint Mary's converted into points, widening their advantage. Despite the difficulties, Bear contributed with two three-pointers, and Alexiah LaRose added a fast-break layup late in the quarter. The quarter concluded with Augsburg trailing 53–24.

Augsburg's third quarter was highlighted by Saylor Gallagher's performance, as she made a significant impact with a 3-pointer at 5:29, narrowing the gap. This game marked Gallagher's 10th game, and fifth in a row, scoring in double figures this season. Despite strong defensive efforts, including a block by Lani Fonoti at 4:27, Augsburg's offense struggled to find rhythm, converting only 3 of 16 field goals. Saint Mary's maintained their edge, capitalizing on free throws and second-chance points, and the quarter concluded with Augsburg trailing 68-36. The game ended with the Cardinals securing a 69-36 victory.

Augsburg faced a challenging fourth quarter, managing only four points against the Cardinals' defensive pressure. Gallagher contributed with a jumper at 5:43, assisted by Bear, which was one of the few scoring highlights for the Auggies. Despite creating some opportunities and forcing turnovers, Augsburg struggled with shooting efficiency, converting just two of 13 attempts from the field. The game ended with Augsburg falling to Saint Mary's with a final score of 89-40.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Lani Fonoti: 5 points, 2 blocks, 3 steals  
• Wakinyela Bear: 11 points, three 3-pointers, 5 rebounds  
• Saylor Gallagher: 11 points, 2 blocks, 4 rebounds  

SAINT MARY'S PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Rylie Sternquist: 17 points, 7 field goals made, 6 rebounds  
• Kali Olson: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists  
• Ayla Olson: 11 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds  

UP NEXT
• Looking ahead, Augsburg University will face Concordia College-Moorhead in an MIAC matchup on Saturday, Jan. 17. The game will tip off at 1 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium in Moorhead, Minn.