KENOSHA, Wis. -- The Augustana Vikings men's basketball team will continue their stretch away from home with a pair of games over the span of three days, beginning with a conference matchup with the Carthage Firebirds on Saturday, December 17.

The Vikings currently sit at 2-7 on the season and 1-2 in CCIW action following a 70-59 road loss to the North Park Vikings last Saturday. Augustana led for a majority of the first half, but endured a late run from North Park as they faced a one-point deficit at the break. Augie quickly regained the lead in the second half and the two teams traded baskets throughout the opening five minutes of the frame. North Park reclaimed a lead of 38-36 and never trailed the rest of the way, slowly pushing it out to an 11-point win. 

Daniel Carr had a successful night in multiple categories, scoring 25 points to go with 17 rebounds and three blocks. He also added three assists and shot 8-9 from the free-throw line. Matt Hawkins added nine points on 4-7 shooting. Augie out-shot North Park both from behind the three-point line and the field overall, but suffered a -14 margin in turnovers. Augustana also out-rebounded NPU, 39-33.

Carthage enters Saturday sporting a 6-1 record, having won six games in a row after dropping their season opener to Whitman. The Firebirds have played five of their seven games at home this season, but will welcome in Augustana in their first conference game inside Tarble Arena. Carthage picked up two road wins to begin the CCIW slate, defeating No. 11 Elmhurst by a score of 89-85 before knocking off Millikin in Decatur with a final of 70-67. The Firebirds are 4-1 in games decided by single digits this season. Carthage boasts three double-digit scorers this year, led by Fillip Bulatovic's 17.3 points per game mark.

Saturday will be the 182nd meeting between the two programs, the most played games versus any opponent in Augie men's basketball program history. The Vikings lead the Firebirds 124-57 in the all-time series and have won the last seven meetings between the two. Augustana defeated Carthage in Kenosha last February by a score of 87-66. Carr led the way with 26 points and 24 rebounds.

Start time is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Live coverage of the game can be found here.