VIKINGS OUT SHOOT GOLDEN BEARS IN SIOUX FALLS

The Concordia University men's basketball team (8-11, 6-6 NSIC) ran into a red hot Augustana College (14-5, 8-4 NSIC) squad on Friday evening at the Elmen Center. The Vikings shot 63.2% (36-57) for the game as they mounted an 87-69 win over the visiting Golden Bears. Six Vikings scored in double-figures in the Northern Sun matchup.

It was the first half when Augustana exploded from the field, hitting 68.8% (22-32) in the opening frame as they built a 53-35 lead.

In the second half, they opened up a 63-38 lead in the first three minutes. Concordia responded by cutting the gap back to 15, 68-53.

But the Vikings had other plans as they ran off with the next 11 points to build their largest lead of the night, a 26 point margin. Concordia ended strong with a 12-4 run to close within 20 at the final buzzer.

While Augie was scorching the nets, the Golden Bears didn't shoot so bad themselves, connecting on 45.1% (23-51) of their attempts while turning the ball over six fewer times. CU forced 22 Augie turnovers and outshot them from three-point range, hitting eight of 18 compared to Augie's six of 14.

Concordia even reached the free throw line far more often, attempting 26 free throws to Augustana's 10.

It was the second time this season Concordia lost when earning more trips to the foul line than their opponents while six of their eight wins this year included more free throw attempts.

A big difference in the game was rebounding. Concordia controlled just 20 rebounds in the game while Augustana pulled down 37. The Vikings even had an edge on the offensive glass, a 10-8 margin despite only missing 21 field goals.

The Golden Bears were led by junior guard Mike Cunningham (Minneapolis, Minn.) and his 19 points on 6-10 shooting. He also hit 7-12 at the line, had four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Two other players scored in double-figures for CU, junior Craig Heiman (Marshall, Wis.) with 17 and senior Matt Cadwell (St. Paul, Minn.) with 14. Aside from those three players, Concordia was just 6-18 from the field for 19 points.

Leading the way for Augustana was David Foster, who scored a game-high 20 points, shooting 8-13 from the field and 4-6 from long range. Freshman Cody Schilling added 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Eric Krogman matched Schilling's scoring and rebounding with 13 and eight.

Concordia falls to 6-6 in league play but holds onto the eight spot in the standings, a half game ahead of Bemidji State (5-6). They will travel to Wayne State (4-8) tomorrow night to face the Wildcats, who lost at home to St. Cloud State (8-4) tonight.