ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings men's basketball team was defeated by the No. 12 ranked Elmhurst Bluejays on Wednesday, falling at home by a score of 86-66.

It was a fast start for the Bluejays thanks to a strong interior presence, putting up 28 points in the paint through the first half. Elmhurst jumped out to a nine-point lead during the first ten minutes of action, nearly doubling it five minutes later as their margin grew to as many as 17. The Vikings were unable to get it under double figures and the Bluejays held a 40-26 advantage at the intermission. Elmhurst boasted a plus-six advantage on the glass and eight offensive rebounds that resulted in 11 second-chance points.

Augie went back-and-forth with the visitors to begin the second half, playing even through the first six minutes to hover around the 14-point differential they saw at half. Trailing 54-41, the Vikings endured a quick 13-0 run from Elmhurst in less than three minutes that put the Bluejays up by 26, eventually seeing it grow to their largest of the contest at 27. Augustana chopped off ten points at one point in the final five minutes, posting a plus-margin to close the game that resulted in the 86-66 win for the Bluejays.

"Elmhurst is a very physical and talented team that makes it challenging to play against if you are not willing to assert yourself and make a stand," said head coach Tom Jessee. "We were not mentally and physically strong enough to compete the way you need to against them. We will use it as another great learning experience for us."

A total of ten Vikings scored in the game, with three coming in double figures. Dan Carr led a balanced scoring output with 12 points to go with 13 rebounds. Matt Hanushewsky and Tyler Knuth each added ten points apiece, while Matt Hawkins tallied nine on 50 percent shooting. Augie shot 41 percent in the game and 25 percent from behind the arc. Elmhurst finished the game 44 percent from the field, but attempted 16 more shots than Augustana. They finished the contest with 54 points in the paint and 17 off of second chance efforts.

With the loss, the Vikings drop to 8-9 overall and 3-5 in the CCIW. The team will be back in action on Saturday, January 22 when they host the Millikin Big Blue at home. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from inside the Carver Center.