BOXSCORE ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Augsburg University (5-16, 2-12 MIAC) fell to St. Catherine (11-10, 6-8 MIAC), 73-60, at the Butler Center on Saturday. The Auggies struggled with turnovers, committing 23 that led to 24 points for the Wildcats. Despite the loss, the Auggies' defense recorded eight steals and scored 20 points off turnovers. St. Kate's capitalized with a 44-20 advantage in points in the paint, securing the home victory.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: St. Catherine 73, Augsburg 60
LOCATION: Butler Center, St. Paul, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-16 overall (2-12 MIAC), St. Catherine 11-10 overall (6-8 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg opened the first quarter with a strategic approach, connecting on four 3-pointers to keep pace with St. Kate's. Despite early turnovers, Tyliah Frazier's jumper at 6:55 initiated a scoring response following a fast start by the Wildcats. Sydney Hazuga contributed significantly with two 3-pointers, the second at 2:43, narrowing the gap further. This performance was part of Hazuga's season-high 22 points, marking her seventh double-figure scoring game in her last 11 outings. Maecee Alexander's 3-pointer at 1:44 brought the Auggies to within one point, but St. Kate's late free throws maintained their edge. Augsburg trailed 20-16 at the end of the quarter.

The Auggies struggled with shooting, but Melanie Delestrez managed a layup at 6:01 to cut the deficit to 26-18. Augsburg attempted to shift momentum late in the second quarter with key free throws by Wakinyela Bear at 0:51, trimming St. Kate's lead. A pivotal 3-pointer by Hazuga with just 4 seconds left, assisted by Bear, further closed the gap. Despite these efforts, the Auggies were outscored 14-12 in the quarter, concluding with a 34-28 deficit at halftime.

Augsburg began the third quarter with a quick offensive push, highlighted by Hazuga's 3-pointer at 8:52, narrowing the deficit to three points. Despite Saylor Gallagher's efforts with consistent free throw shooting and defensive rebounds, the Auggies struggled to maintain momentum. Gallagher's 10 rebounds in this game were a season-best and just one shy of her career record. St. Kate's capitalized on Augsburg's turnovers and extended their lead with efficient scoring in the paint. The quarter concluded with the Auggies trailing 55-41. The game ended with St. Kate's securing a 55-41 victory over Augsburg.

Augsburg started the fourth quarter with momentum as Gallagher converted a layup and a free throw at 9:35, closing the gap to a 44–55 score. The Auggies' defensive efforts included four steals throughout the quarter, creating opportunities to stay competitive despite turnovers. Hazuga contributed significantly, hitting a three-pointer at 4:10 and another at 0:25, but St. Kate's maintained a steady lead.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Sydney Hazuga: 22 points, 6 3-pointers, 2 steals  
• Saylor Gallagher: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists  
• Melanie Delestrez: 3 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal  

ST. CATHERINE PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Jordyn Peed: 18 points, 3 steals, 4 rebounds  
• Lily Peper: 17 points, 3 steals, 5 rebounds  
•  Hattie Fox: 10 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds  

UP NEXT
• Looking ahead, Augsburg University will host Saint Mary's University on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Si Melby Hall in Minneapolis.