MOORHEAD, Minn. -- The Augsburg University women's basketball team fell to Concordia College-Moorhead 89-55 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game Saturday at Memorial Auditorium. Augsburg struggled to keep pace, with the Cobbers' 14 three-pointers and 45 bench points proving decisive. The Auggies were led by a team effort on defense with nine steals, but a 50-32 rebounding disadvantage hindered their comeback efforts.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Concordia-Moorhead 89, Augsburg 55
LOCATION: Memorial Auditorium, Moorhead, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-10 overall (2-6 MIAC), Concordia 13-2 overall (7-1 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg opened the first quarter with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by two steals. Lani Fonoti, in her fifth game scoring in double figures this season, sparked the team offensively by sinking a three-pointer at 7:22, assisted by Sydney Hazuga. Despite Concordia's ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, the Auggies kept the game within reach. Melanie Delestrez's layup with 51 seconds remaining brought the visiting team closer, finishing the quarter down 20-14.

In the second quarter, the Auggies were highlighted by a series of strategic plays, including a steal and fast-break layup by Fonoti, assisted by Tyliah Frazier, at the 13-second mark. Another key moment came when Hazuga, who scored in double figures for the fourth time this season, connected on a 3-pointer at 6:06, again with an assist from Frazier, contributing to Augsburg's offensive efforts. Despite these efforts, the Cobbers maintained their lead, finishing the quarter ahead with a score of 45-32.  Taya Jeffrey contributed a strong start for Concordia with a three-pointer and a layup, both within the first three minutes. Maya Metcalf was pivotal, scoring seven points, including a three-point play at 6:53, and securing multiple rebounds.

Augsburg faced a challenging third quarter as Concordia's offense surged, extending their lead. Despite this, the Auggies had a notable moment when Fonoti hit a 3-pointer at 7:17, momentarily narrowing the gap. Saylor Gallagher added a jumper at 2:55, contributing to Augsburg's efforts to stay competitive. However, the Cobbers maintained control with effective scoring, including multiple 3-pointers, and concluded the quarter leading 67–44. The game ended with Concordia securing a 70–44 victory.

In the fourth quarter, Augsburg's Frazier, tying her season-high with 12 points and four steals, contributed defensively with a steal at 8:28, which led to a series of free throws converting for points. Delestrez added a crucial layup at 6:59 following an offensive rebound. Despite these efforts, the Auggies were outscored 19-11 in the quarter, as Concordia maintained a steady lead through efficient shooting and assists. The game ended with Concordia securing an 89-55 victory.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Lani Fonoti:15 points, 3 3-pointers, 4 rebounds  
• Tyliah Frazier: 12 points, 4 steals, 5 assists  
• Sydney Hazuga: 10 points, 100% free-throw shooting (4/4), 3 assists  
• Saylor Gallagher: 8 points, 3 steals   

CONCORDIA PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Maya Metcalf: 19 points, 6/7 free throws, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks  
• Kaitlyn Rohloff: 11 points, 3 3-pointers, 3 assists, 2 steals  
• Taya Jeffrey: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists  
• Taylor Safranski: 6 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4 rebounds

UP NEXT
• Looking ahead, the Auggies will face Hamline University in MIAC play on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. at Hutton Arena in St. Paul, Minn.