MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University fell to Gustavus Adolphus College 101-88 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's basketball game on Saturday at Si Melby Hall. Augsburg managed to keep pace with Gustavus through several lead changes, but ultimately could not overcome the visitors' 15 three-pointers. The Auggies' effort was highlighted by their 12 successful three-point shots and a strong fast-break game contributing 24 points. MIAC-leader Gustavus, which is ranked No. 12 in the latest D3hoops.com Division III national poll, maintained steady control with a 51-point first half that set the tone for its victory.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Gustavus Adolphus 101, Augsburg 88
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 13-5 overall (6-3 MIAC), Gustavus 17-1 overall (9-0 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The game commenced with Gustavus taking an early advantage, opening the scoring with a layup by Jake Schmitt at 19:46. Augsburg responded after a 10-point deficit with Hanif Muhammad's 3-pointer at 17:06, sparking a rally. Muhammad continued to be pivotal, contributing a layup at 13:41 to put the Auggies ahead temporarily. A transfer from Division II St. Cloud State, Muhammad scored a career-high 30 points, connecting on 11-of-19 from the field, including a collegiate career-best 6-of-8 from three-point range.

Elias Batala's defensive efforts and free throws at 1:40 kept Augsburg competitive. Batala also achieved his first collegiate point-rebound double-double with 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, also adding a career-high six assists. Augsburg gradually rallied back, tying the game at 36 after Batala's dunk and free throw at 4:46. Gustavus regained control with a late surge led by a crucial 3-pointer from Isaac Matti at the 49-second mark, ending the first half with a 51-44 lead.

Augsburg made a concerted push in the second half, narrowing the gap with a series of successful plays. Hanif Muhammad's fast-break 3-pointer at 18:49 and JJ Semanko's scoring inside the paint helped bring the score closer early on. With 18 points, JJ Semanko scored in double-figures for the 16th time in his first 18 collegiate games, marking his seventh game in a row achieving this feat. Despite their efforts, Augsburg struggled to maintain momentum against Gustavus's consistent scoring, which sustained a lead throughout the half. The game concluded with Gustavus securing a victory, 101–88.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Hanif Muhammad: 30 points, 11/19 field goals made, 6/8 three-pointers made, 2 steals  
• Elias Batala : 20 points, 10/13 free throws made, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 6 assists  
• JJ Semanko: 18 points, 7/7 free throws made, 7 rebounds, 3 assists  

GUSTAVUS PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Eli Wolff: 30 points, 9/11 three-pointers made, 3 rebounds, 2 steals  
• Myles Barnette: 19 points, 5/6 free throws made, 6 rebounds, 4 assists  
• Jake Schmitt: 15 points, 2 assists  

UP NEXT
• In its next game, Augsburg will travel to face the College of St. Scholastica in MIAC play on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The matchup is set for 7 p.m. at Reif Gym in Duluth, Minn.