SIOUX FALLS – Despite placing four players in double digits, the University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team (15-9, 11-9 NSIC) dropped a 80-69 decision to Augustana in a rivalry rematch at the Sioux Falls Arena before 2,849 in attendance.

The Cougars, which won an earlier contest between the rivals, 77-72, at the Stewart Center, was victimized by an Augustana team that hit 12-of-23 three-pointers for 52.2 percent. While Augustana hit 49.2 percent from the field (32-of-65), the Cougars made just 38.7 percent (24-of-62) and 7-of-21 from three-point range. USF had a 14-to-4 edge at the foul line, but it was the Vikings' shooting particularly from the perimeter that decided the game.

Both teams finished with 40 rebounds and 13 turnovers so the difference was clearly in the percentage of shots made.

USF was led by sophomore center Sam Knecht with 16 points and seven rebounds. In addition, USF had 13 points from junior forward Teagan Molden, 11 on the bench from senior Amber Paden and 10 from junior guard Taylor Varsho.

With the win, Augustana (28-9, 12-8 NSIC) took over fourth place in the NSIC South, which gives them the edge for one of four home court spots for the NSIC Tourney, which begins Feb. 25. For the time being, USF falls to a tie for 5th in the South and would go on the road in the opening round of the tournament. Next weekend, USF will entertain Concordia, St. Paul and Minnesota State at the Stewart Center.

Though basketball is a game of runs, this Saturday afternoon affair made that adage particularly true. And, it was the home standing Vikings that had more runs than USF, including opening with a 30-6 run in the opening 8:35. After that opening foray by Augustana, the Cougars responded with a 27-7 run to cut the lead to 37-33 with 3:59 left in the half. Then, Augustana closed the half with a 13-1 burst to take a 50-34 lead to halftime. In the second half, the Vikings opened up a 25-point lead before the Cougars had a closing run of 19-to-5 in the final minutes to close within 13 at the horn.

Augustana was led in scoring by Sophie Kenney with 18 points while Sydney Rome added 17, including 5-of-8 from three-point range. While all-league guard Shaunteva Ashley was held to just nine points on 4-of-16 shooting, she did dish out 10 assists. Logan O'Farrell had a double double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.

In the first half, the Vikings hit 21-of-37 shots from the floor to build a 16-point lead at 50-34. They were led by 12 points from Rome, all on three's (4-of-6) while Kenney had 10 points. Meanwhile, the Cougars, which were outrebounded, 24-16, hit 14-of-36 shots from the floor for 38.9 percent, including 5-of-15 from three-point range. Varsho had eight points for the Cougars.

The Vikings jumped to an 8-2 lead after a three-pointer from Ashley at the 17:57 mark. Then, Augie got hot, outscoring USF, 22-4 for the 30-6 lead at the 11:25 mark. But just like that, it was the Cougars' turn to wow the crowd. USF had a 27-7 run, keyed by threes from Becker (8:04), Varsho (7:34) and Varsho again at 3:57 to close the gap to 37-33.

In the second half, Augustana took a 19-point lead before USF answered with five straight points including a deep three from the left side from Ulmer with 15:30 left to draw within 16. Rome hit another 3, her fifth of the game for a 62-42 lead with 14:37 left in the game, which was a margin the Vikings basically held until late in the game. Eventually, the Vikings pushed the lead to 25 points (75-50) before USF cut the lead with their late 19-5 run.