MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University defeated the Hamline Pipers 77-63 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's basketball game on Wednesday at Si Melby Hall. The Auggies established an 18-point lead by halftime, fueled by a strong defensive showing that included nine steals and five blocks. Hamline outscored Augsburg in the second half but could not overcome the first-half deficit, despite scoring 42 points in the paint.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 77, Hamline 63
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 13-4 overall (6-2 MIAC), Hamline 11-6 overall (3-5 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg opened the first half with a strong offensive display, marked by a series of successful shots including two 3-pointers from JJ Semanko. With 27 points and 14 rebounds, Semanko recorded his sixth double-double of the season. It's his 15th double-figure scoring effort in his first 17 collegiate games, and seventh game with 20 or more points. Semanko's scoring efforts, coupled with efficient ball movement that resulted in seven assists, helped the Auggies establish an early lead. Augsburg capitalized on Hamline's turnovers, converting them into eight points and maintaining control of the game.

The Auggies capitalized on Hamline's six turnovers, with Batala's layup extending the margin to 23-16. Muhammad's fast-break layup and subsequent free throw pushed the lead to 16 points. Semanko closed the half with two free throws following a technical foul, securing a 41-23 advantage for Augsburg. Defensively, the Auggies held Hamline to 0-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc and forced six turnovers.

Augsburg made a decisive impact in the second half with a series of key plays, beginning with Hanif Muhammad's fastbreak layup at 17:01, extending their lead. Elias Batala's performance was pivotal, as he contributed a dunk and a pair of free throws, further solidifying Augsburg's control. Scoring 21 points, this marks Batala's 13th double-figure scoring effort of the season, and fifth in his last six games. Despite Hamline's attempts to close the gap, including a layup by Cole Peterson in the final seconds, Augsburg maintained their advantage. The game concluded with Augsburg securing a victory, finishing 77–63.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• JJ Semanko: 27 points, 10/16 field goals made, 14 rebounds, 3 steals  
• Elias Batala: 21 points, 7/11 field goals made, 6/7 free throws made  
• Hanif Muhammad: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals  
• Ali Axmed: 7 points, 3 assists, 2 steals  
• Isaac Rabaey: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks  

HAMLINE PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Dane DeDominces: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals  
• Raoul Vaidya: 12 points, 3/4 free throws made, 2 assists  
• Brendan Ebel: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block  

UP NEXT
• In its next matchup, Augsburg will host MIAC-leader Gustavus Adolphus College on Saturday, Jan. 24. Gustavus is ranked No. 12 in the latest D3hoops.com Division III national poll. The game will tip off at 3 p.m. at Si Melby Hall in Minneapolis.