COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. -- Augsburg University (16-9, 9-7 MIAC) fell to Saint John's (MN) (15-11, 11-5 MIAC) in a tightly contested matchup, 81-79, at Sexton Arena. Augsburg University trailed 41-33 at halftime but rallied in the second half, scoring 46 points. Despite the effort, the Johnnies secured the win with a balanced attack, including 13 three-pointers. The Auggies' defense forced 12 turnovers, contributing 17 points off those opportunities. With this game, Augsburg finishes the regular season as the No. 6 seed in the MIAC postseason playoffs and will travel to face No. 3-seed St. Olaf on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in Northfield, Minn.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Saint John's 81, Augsburg 79
LOCATION: Sexton Arena, Collegeville, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 16-9 overall (9-7 MIAC), Saint John's 15-10 overall (11-5 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg began the game with a steady offensive effort, highlighted by Hanif Muhammad's contributions. Scoring 17 points, Muhammad scored in double figures for the 14th time this season and ninth time in his last 11 games. Saint John's gained an early advantage with Peyton Podany's three-pointer at the 19:26 mark, assisted by Baiden Bean. Augsburg responded with a jumper from JJ Semanko and a layup from Rabaey, narrowing the gap to 6-4. Semanko scored 23 points, marking the 22nd time he has scored in double figures in his first 25 collegiate games

After falling behind early, Augsburg closed the gap to one point at 8:40 with a fast-break layup by Elias Batala, who also converted the ensuing free throw. Batala's 20 points marked the 21st time he has scored in double figures in his 25 games this season, his ninth game in a row, and the 10th time he has scored 20 or more points. Augsburg maintained pressure with a defensive steal by Isaac Rabaey at 2:23, followed by Muhammad's three-pointer at 2:40, but Saint John's managed to regain control. The first half ended with Augsburg trailing 41–33.

Augsburg made a significant push in the second half, closing the gap with the Johnnies by scoring 46 points. Augsburg's Semanko initiated the half with a couple of early baskets, narrowing the gap swiftly. Batala contributed a crucial layup at the 17:31 mark, keeping Augsburg within striking distance. A key moment came when Augsburg tied the game at 50–50 after a series of free throws by Batala at 12:46. Later, Trent Gomez's fastbreak layup at 2:36 brought Augsburg within three points, but Saint John's maintained a slight edge. Despite Augsburg's efforts, including a tip-in by Batala at the buzzer, the game ended with Augsburg narrowly falling short, 81–79.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Hanif Muhammad: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists  
• Elias Batala: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals  
•  JJ Semanko: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 9/11 free throws made  
• Trent Gomez: 12 points, 3/3 field goals made, 2/2 three-pointers made

SAINT JOHN'S PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Baiden Bean: 15 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds  
• Peyton Podany: 34 points, 6/11 three-pointers made, 7 rebounds  
• Liam Farniok: 6 points, 2 blocks, 2 steals