SIOUX FALLS – (RV) University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team had a career-first double-double from Anna Brecht and a career-high 18 points from Dallie Hoskinson but the Cougars dropped an 80-74 decision to Augustana on Saturday at the Sanford Pentagon.

With the win, Augustana takes over the lead in the NSIC South with an 8-3 record with Concordia St. Paul in second in 8-4 and USF is tied with Minnesota State at 7-4 for third place.

A couple of keys in the game was AU's ability to make threes and USF's turnover issues. The Vikings outscored USF, 13-to-8 from three-point range and USF had 19 turnovers to 13 for AU, which enabled the Vikings to take a 31-18 margin in points off turnovers. And, the plus-five in threes was a 15-point differential, which proved pivotal in AU"s win.

Fact is, USF had a solid shooting day, which helped them to an early 15-point lead (5:47, 2^nd quarter), with 26-of-56 field goals for 46.4 percent for the game. The Cougars also hit 8-of-20 from three-point range for a respectable 40 percent and was 14-of-19 at the foul line. AU was 26-of-68 from the field for 38.2 percent but 13-of-36 from three-point range for 36.1 percent and 16-of-18 at the foul line. While USF had a 26-24 margin of points in the paint, the Vikings used a 15-9 advantage in offensive rebounds for an edge of 18-10 in second chance points.

Individually, USF was led by Brecht who hit 5-of-12 shots and all five of her free throws for 15 points and then totaled a career-best 12 rebounds. She also had two assists and a steal before fouling out late in the game. Brecht now has reached double-digits in all 11 games this season.

Hoskinson reached her career-high in points with 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including a career-best 4-of-5 from three-point range. She also had three rebounds, an assist and steal. A junior guard, Hoskinson now has reached double-digits in points three straight games and five times at USF. Also for USF, senior Anna Goodhope provided 17 points in her second start this season as she was 6-of-11 from the floor and 3-of-7 from three-point range. She also had five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Also for USF Amanda Dagostino came off the bench to provided six points and three assists while Krystal Carlson had seven points and Kiara James six.

The Vikings were led by Hannah Mitby with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds along with eight assists. Izzy Van Veldhuizen had 20 points and made a game-high five triples.  Lauren Sees provided 18 points and was 4-of-9 from three.

Breakdown -
USF jumped to a 10-2 lead over Augustana at the 7:35 mark as Brecht had five points and Goodhope knocked in a three in the opening quarter, USF, which shot a game-high 53.8 percent in the opening quarter on 7-of-13 shooting, led 17-7 when Hoskinson's three was true at the 4:16 mark.  At the break, USF had a 23-15 advantage.

In the second quarter, Goodhope and Carlson had baskets inside as USF held a 27-17 lead (7:34, 2^nd Q). Then, Brecht hit a jumper and Goodhope a three as USF took a 32-17 with 5:47 to go in the second quarter. Then, Augustana made their comeback by using a 12-2 run to cut USF's lead to 34-29 at the 2:27 point of the quarter. But the Cougars held off the Vikings and led 38-33 at the break.  At halftime, USF held a 38-33 lead as Brecht had a career high first-half total of 10 rebounds to go with nine points. USF was 13-of-28 from the field for 46.4 percent but just 3-of-11 from three in the opening half. AU hit 13-of-34 field goals for 38.2 percent but made 5-of-18 from three-point range.

In the third quarter, the Vikings took the lead but Brecht hit a lay-up for a 50-48 lead with two minutes to play.  Hoskinson's three at the 1:20 mark and USF led, 56-51 at the break. Both teams scored 18 points in the period.

In the fourth quarter Goodhope's triple gave USF a 59-54 lead. Later with 5:16 to play, Van Veldhuizen scored inside for a 64-63 lead. Then with a 9-2 run, the Vikings built a 76-68 lead with 1:35 to play as the Vikings continued to make threes and USF was hurt by turnovers. Hoskinson made consecutive threes in the final 10 seconds but the deficit was too large as the Cougars lost for a third straight time – twice this weekend – to their city rivals.