ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana women's basketball team (9-10, 3-7) earned a hard-fought win this evening over the visiting North Central Cardinals (7-11, 4-5). The Vikings and Cardinals battled through 40 minutes of regulation and an extra five-minute overtime period to reach the 64-56 conclusion.
 
The Vikings got off to a hot start for the second-straight game and led by as many as 11 points in the first period. Both offenses turned stagnant in the second period, though, as Augustana only scored 11 total points and North Central recorded 10. The Vikings led 28-23 at the half.
 
Defense ruled the third quarter as well with the Vikings winning the period by a 13-12 score. The competition was ignited even more in the fourth period. North Central outscored the Vikings 19-13 in the period and both teams had clutch performances down the stretch.
 
Augustana led by five points early in the fourth quarter before the Cardinals got into a rhythm. Back-to-back Stephanie Kowalczyk threes and an IxChel Leeuwenburgh layup gave NCC their first lead of the game with 5:45 left on the clock. Both teams traded leads until Gabriela Loiz sank two free throws to knot the tally at 54-54.
 
The overtime period was all Vikings as North Central managed just two points in the five-minute stanza. Macy Beinborn drilled two freebies early in OT and Augustana held on for the eight-point victory.
 
Augie was led by Beinborn's game-high 17 points. Loiz added 15 for the Vikings while Lauren Hall posted another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
 
North Central's Kowalczyk netted 15 points to lead the Cardinals followed by Elle Sutter with 11. Allison Pearson snagged 13 rebounds and dished out seven assists to top NCC in those categories.
 
Augustana will be back in action this weekend when they face Carroll for the second time in three games. The Vikings and Pioneers will tip off at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, Jan. 29 in the Carver Center.