MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University men's basketball team secured a commanding 101-84 victory over St. Olaf College on Saturday at Si Melby Hall, clinching a berth in the six-team Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference postseason playoffs for the 13th time under 21st-year head coach Aaron Griess.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 101, St. Olaf 84
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 16-7 overall (9-5 MIAC), St. Olaf 15-8 overall (11-3 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The Auggies' offense was led by a strong performance from beyond the arc, sinking 12 of 21 three-point attempts, marking the ninth time this season they have hit 10 or more three-pointers in a game. Additionally, this game marked the third time Augsburg has reached the 100-point mark in a game this season, as they average 81.3 points per game. The team also dominated in the paint, scoring 52 points and out-rebounding the Oles 28-24. St. Olaf was unable to close the gap despite a second-half effort that saw them score 47 points.

Augsburg began the first half with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by a quick 7-0 run. JJ Semanko got the home team on the board with a jumper at 19:14, setting the tone for a strong offensive display. With 15 points, Semanko scored in double figures for the 20th time in his first 23 collegiate games. The team maintained control, shooting an impressive 72.7 percent from the field, including 10 three-pointers. As the half progressed, Augsburg capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks, with Elias Batala and Trent Gomez effectively scoring inside and from beyond the arc. Gomez scored a season-high 19 points on perfect shooting, including tying his career-best with five 3-pointers. Lavar Jones Jr., playing his final home regular-season game along with fellow seniors Isaac Rabaey and Julien Hussherr, also added a three-pointer and a layup early on. The Auggies' defense forced five turnovers and limited St. Olaf to one successful three-pointer in the half. The half concluded with Augsburg leading the Oles 61–37.

Augsburg maintained its lead in the second half, beginning with a 3-pointer by Hanif Muhammad at 19:45, assisted by JJ Semanko. This was followed by Keenan Rodriguez's layup, extending the margin. Despite St. Olaf's attempts to close the gap with strong shooting beyond the arc, Augsburg's consistent scoring, including key free throws and a layup by Elias Batala at 12:13, solidified its position. With 14 points, Batala scored in double figures for the 18th time this season and 10th time in his last 11 games. Augsburg concluded the half with a 40-point effort, securing a decisive 101–84 victory.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Trent Gomez: 19 points, 5/5 three-pointers made, 3 assists  
• JJ Semanko: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists  
• Elias Batala: 14 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds  
• Julien Hussherr: 12 points, 5/6 field goals made  
• Hanif Muhammad: 10 points, 3/3 field goals made, 2 assists  

ST. OLAF PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Chris Willis: 29 points, 7/8 three-pointers made, 10/11 field goals made  
• Kobe Kirk: 16 points, 1 block, 3 rebounds  
• Rex Lamb: 15 points, 6/9 field goals made, 4 assists  
• AJ Uhl: 11 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds  

UP NEXT
• Looking ahead, the Auggies will face Bethel University on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Augsburg will travel to the Robertson Center in Arden Hills, Minn., for this matchup, with the game set to begin at 7 p.m.