NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- Augsburg University fell to St. Olaf College 54-48 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game at Skoglund Athletic Center on Saturday. Despite forcing 18 turnovers and recording eight steals, Augsburg trailed throughout the game and could not overcome the Oles' advantage in free throw attempts, where the home team converted 14 of 28. The Auggies' bench contributed 17 points, but the Oles' 28 points in the paint helped secure the win.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: St. Olaf 54, Augsburg 48
LOCATION: Skoglund Athletic Center, Northfield, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-18 overall (2-14 MIAC), St. Olaf 6-17 overall (1-15 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The game opened with a tight exchange of scoring, as Augsburg managed to keep pace with St. Olaf early on. Saylor Gallagher initiated the scoring for the Auggies with a jumper in response to the Oles' initial layup. Despite several missed opportunities, Augsburg's defense was highlighted by blocks from Lani Fonoti and Jada Stanford. A fast break layup by Fonoti, assisted by Tyliah Frazier at 4:14, briefly put Augsburg ahead. However, the Oles responded with back-to-back 3-pointers to regain the lead. The first quarter concluded with Augsburg trailing St. Olaf 14-9.

Augsburg made a significant push in the second quarter, narrowing the gap with a series of well-timed plays. Jada Stanford contributed with a jumper early in the quarter, assisted by Alexiah LaRose. Sydney Hazuga, who scored in double figures for the ninth time this season, hit a crucial 3-pointer at 2:21, bringing Augsburg within four points of St. Olaf. Another 3-pointer from Hazuga at 0:45 brought Augsburg to within one point. Despite the late surge, the Oles managed to hold their lead, finishing the quarter ahead 24-21. Both teams struggled with turnovers, but Augsburg's bench provided eight of their 12 points for the quarter.

Augsburg attempted to shift momentum in the third quarter with a key 3-pointer from Hazuga at 6:15, narrowing the gap to three points. Despite their efforts, Augsburg faced challenges in maintaining possession, committing six turnovers that hindered consistent scoring opportunities. The Oles managed to extend their lead with a steady free-throw performance and effective rebounding. The quarter concluded with Augsburg trailing 36–29.

Augsburg initiated a push in the fourth quarter with a three-pointer by Saylor Gallagher at 9:41, assisted by Tyliah Frazier. Fonoti then added two crucial free throws to tighten the score. Wakinyela Bear, marking her 10th time scoring in double figures this season, made a three-pointer at 4:39, with an assist from Evelyn Perkins, bringing Augsburg within one point. However, the Oles managed to maintain their lead with a series of free throws and a three-pointer from Erin Schauer at 1:02. Despite late efforts, including a three-pointer and layup by Bear, Augsburg fell short.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Lani Fonoti: 8 points, 2 blocks, 4 rebounds  
• Wakinyela Bear: 12 point, 6 rebounds, 2 assists  
• Sydney Hazuga: 13 points, 3 3-pointers, 2 steals  
• Saylor Gallagher: 5 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals   

ST. OLAF PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Erin Schauer: 11 points: 3 3-pointers, 5 rebounds  
• Grace Gertner: 11 points, 6 rebounds  
• Elise Hahn: 9 points, 16 rebounds, 1 block  
• Bree Wilkerson: 13 points, 4 steals, 2 assists  

UP NEXT
• In their next matchup, the Auggies will host Bethel University on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at Si Melby Hall in Minneapolis.