MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University fell to the College of St. Scholastica 63-50 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball contest on Wednesday at Si Melby Hall. The Auggies were led by a strong fourth-quarter performance, scoring 22 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Saints' balanced attack. St. Scholastica capitalized on turnovers, scoring 17 points off Augsburg's 18 giveaways, and held a 32-18 advantage in points in the paint.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: St. Scholastica 63, Augsburg 50
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-13 overall (2-9 MIAC), St. Scholastica 13-5 overall (8-3 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg started the first quarter by taking an early lead with a 3-pointer from Lani Fonoti at 8:26, followed by two successful free throws. Despite this strong start, turnovers became a critical issue. The Auggies committed eight turnovers in the quarter, which allowed the Saints to capitalize and build momentum. Augsburg's defensive efforts were highlighted by Fonoti's block at 4:57, part of her impressive performance with five blocked shots, the most in a game for an Auggie since Jen Masello's five blocks in February 2022. Kloey Lind and Ava Haus contributed to the visitor's performance, each scoring key baskets. Gabby Voigt's late jumper helped secure a 15-8 advantage for the Saints by the end of the first quarter.

Augsburg shifted momentum midway through the second quarter with Melanie Delestrez's layup at 4:28, initiating a scoring run that included key contributions from Wakinyela Bear and Sydney Hazuga. Delestrez's nine rebounds in the game marked her sixth performance this season with seven or more rebounds, showcasing her consistency on the boards. The team capitalized on turnovers and defensive plays, including a block by Hazuga. Despite trailing earlier, Augsburg reduced the deficit to finish the quarter with a 13–12 advantage, narrowing St. Scholastica's lead to 27–21 at halftime.

Augsburg struggled to keep pace in the third quarter, with St. Scholastica's defensive efforts leading to seven turnovers from Augsburg. Despite efforts from Jada Stanford, who scored a layup with 6:36 remaining, and Saylor Gallagher, who added a fast-break layup at 3:11, the Auggies could not bridge the gap. The team managed only 2-of-14 shooting from the field, while St. Scholastica capitalized on their opportunities to extend their lead with a 20-7 scoring advantage. The quarter concluded with Augsburg trailing as the score moved to 47-28.

Augsburg sparked a rally in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a series of successful 3-pointers. Maecee Alexander initiated the momentum with a 3-pointer at 8:08, assisted by Gallagher. Bear followed with significant contributions, hitting a 3-pointer at 7:12 and another at 3:25, both assisted by Tyliah Frazier. Bear's 18 points were a season-high and just one point shy of her career high of 19. Despite the Saints' efforts to maintain their lead, Augsburg's perimeter shooting and fast-break opportunities kept them competitive throughout the quarter. The quarter concluded with Augsburg outscoring St. Scholastica 22-16, but the Saints held on to win.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Lani Fonoti: 5 points, 5 blocks  
• Wakinyela Bear: 18 points, 3 three-pointers, 4 rebounds  
• Tyliah Frazier: 5 assists, 4 rebounds  
• Melanie Delestrez: 9 rebounds, 4 points  

ST. SCHOLASTICA PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Ava Haus: 20 points, 3 three-pointers, 4 steals
• Kloey Lind: 15 points, 8 rebounds,2 steals
• Gabby Voigt: 11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block 

UP NEXT
• The next challenge for the Auggies is a matchup against Carleton College on Saturday, Jan. 31. Augsburg will take the court at 1 p.m. at West Gym in Northfield, Minn.