MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University women's basketball team fell to Gustavus Adolphus College 79-50 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest on Saturday at Si Melby Hall. The Auggies were unable to overcome a 22-point second-quarter deficit, despite forcing nine steals and contributing 15 points from turnovers. The Gusties capitalized with a 44-30 advantage in points in the paint and secured the victory with a significant rebounding edge, totaling 43 boards to Augsburg's 26.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Gustavus Adolphus 79, Augsburg 50
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-12 overall (2-8 MIAC), Gustavus 11-6 overall (7-3 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The game began with Augsburg facing early pressure from the Gusties, who opened with a strong offensive push. Augsburg's Lani Fonoti and Jada Stanford each found success in the paint, contributing crucial points to keep the score within reach. Fonoti, who had a season-high 18 points, claimed her sixth double-figure scoring effort of the season. Despite these efforts, Gustavus maintained a lead, capitalizing on transition opportunities. The quarter concluded with Augsburg trailing 22–15.

Augsburg's momentum in the second quarter was highlighted by Fonoti's layup at 8:10 and a 3-pointer at 2:09, both assisted by Tyliah Frazier, which provided brief offensive sparks. Despite these efforts, the Auggies struggled to maintain pace as Gustavus utilized their advantage in the paint and capitalized on turnovers, allowing the visitors to extend their lead, highlighted by Peters and Kendyl Queensland, who each contributed key baskets. The period concluded with Augsburg trailing 41–23.

Augsburg attempted to shift momentum in the third quarter with a layup by Saylor Gallagher at 5:43, followed by Sydney Hazuga's 3-pointer at 5:05, narrowing the gap briefly. Hazuga, who tallied 12 points, claimed her sixth double-digit scoring effort of the season, and her fifth in her last seven games. However, Gustavus countered effectively with points in the paint, extending their lead significantly, scoring 22 points to Augsburg's 13. Despite a late layup by Fonoti at 2:22 and a tip-in at 1:17, Augsburg trailed 63–36 at the end of the period. 

Augsburg's fourth-quarter efforts included multiple defensive highlights, featuring five steals that translated into several scoring opportunities. Kaylee Buerman's fast-break layup at 9:24, assisted by Frazier, and Hazuga's three-pointer at 3:20, set up by Melanie Delestrez, were key moments for the Auggies. Despite these efforts and a late surge with Fonoti's three-pointer at 2:10, Augsburg was outscored 16–14 in the quarter. 

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Lani Fonoti: 18 points, 8 field goals made, 2 blocks  
• Sydney Hazuga: 12 points, 3 3-pointers, 3 steals  
• Tyliah Frazier: 4 steals, 4 assists, 1 block    

GUSTAVUS PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Bella DeHaan: 22 points, 10/12 field goals made, 1 block, 4 rebounds  
• Ella Peters: 14 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds  
• Kaitlyn Schaefer: 10 points, 1 steal  

UP NEXT
• In their next game, Augsburg will host the College of St. Scholastica in MIAC play on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. The matchup will take place at Si Melby Hall in Minneapolis.