MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University fell to Bethel University 72-50 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game on Wednesday evening at Si Melby Hall. The game marked the final home contest for Augsburg seniors Wakinyela Bear and Melanie Delestrez. The Auggies struggled to keep pace, scoring 22 points in the paint and collecting 33 rebounds. The Royals capitalized on their opportunities, scoring 21 points from the free-throw line and securing a 48-33 rebounding advantage.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Bethel 72, Augsburg 50
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-19 overall (2-15 MIAC), Bethel 18-6 overall (13-4 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The game commenced with Augsburg's Melanie Delestrez, who was injured in last Saturday's game against Saint Mary's, starting the game. She scored a layup just four seconds into the first quarter, assisted by Wakinyela Bear, before being subbed out. Despite this quick start, the Auggies struggled from the field, making only 2 of 15 shots and facing difficulties in the paint with Bethel scoring 14 points there. Evelyn Perkins added two free throws to tie the game early, but the Royals responded with a series of successful plays, including a layup and free throw by Alli Born, to gain momentum. Bethel's Rosalie Penke and Colette Duininck led early in the paint, with Duininck contributing assists as well. Augsburg's only 3-pointer came from Bear at 6:11, assisted by Saylor Gallagher. The Royals capitalized on second-chance opportunities, extending their lead to end the quarter ahead 22-7.

Augsburg rallied in the second quarter with a strong offensive push, narrowing the Royals' lead. Saylor Gallagher ignited the momentum with a key 3-pointer at 8:04, while Bear's layup at 1:31 continued to chip away at the deficit. Despite Bethel's efforts, including a three-pointer by Emily Erickson at 6:38, Augsburg continued to chip away at their lead with contributions from Lani Fonoti and a fastbreak layup by Jada Stanford. The Auggies outscored the Royals 18-9 in the quarter, with Evelyn Perkins assisting on key plays. Emily Erickson added a late layup for Bethel, ending the quarter with them ahead 31-25. Augsburg's defense forced six turnovers, contributing to its 18-point quarter. Despite the effort, the Royals maintained a 31-25 advantage at halftime.

Bethel surged ahead in the third quarter with a strong offensive showing, outscoring Augsburg 23-12. Colette Duininck started the quarter with a three-pointer at 9:49, assisted by Cally Peterson, to extend Bethel's lead. Emily Erickson was pivotal for the Royals, contributing with a layup and adding two free throws to her tally. Augsburg's Jada Stanford managed a layup at 2:33, but Bethel's defensive efforts, including steals by Alli Born and Colette Duininck, maintained their advantage. Lani Fonoti closed the quarter with a three-pointer with just 2 seconds remaining, bringing Augsburg's total to 37.

Augsburg made a late surge in the fourth quarter with consecutive 3-pointers from Kaylee Buerman and Wakinyela Bear, bringing some momentum into the final minutes. Despite this effort, Bethel maintained a firm lead, capitalizing on free throw opportunities and scoring in the paint.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Wakinyela Bear: 9 points, 5 assists, 1 steal
• Sydney Hazuga: 4 points, 3 steals, 1 block
• Jada Stanford: 9 points, 8 rebounds
• Saylor Gallagher: 7 points, 2 steals, 2 assists   

BETHEL PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Emily Erickson: 23 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals  
• Cally Peterson: 17 points, 9/10 free throws made, 4 rebounds  
• Colette Duininck: 10 points, 8 assists, 1 steal  
• Alli Born: 14 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block  

UP NEXT
• Augsburg finishes its 2025-26 season at the College of Saint Benedict on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at Claire Lynch Hall in St. Joseph, Minn.