ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana women's basketball team (12-13, 6-10) closed their regular season schedule this evening with a three-point home loss to the visiting Illinois Wesleyan Titans (17-8, 14-2). The Titan win clinched a share of the CCIW title.
 
The contest started with fast-paced first period that ended in a 15-15 stalemate. The Vikings led by as many as five points after a three-ball from Emily Brenneisen. IWU erased the margin on a Catie Eck triple with just four seconds remaining in the quarter. The second period featured heightened defensive effort with the lowest offensive output for either team. Augie managed just nine total points in the quarter while Illinois Wesleyan netted 11. The Vikings trailed 26-24 at halftime.
 
The Titans controlled the pace of play after the break, outscoring Augie 22-18 in the third. IWU worked their advantage up to as many as 11 points before the Vikings battled back. Augustana closed the game with a ferocious comeback attempt and won the final period 20-17. Emma Berg nailed a three with just over 5:30 to play to give Augustana their first lead of the second half. Illinois Wesleyan was not phased, though, and sunk four clutch free throws in the final minute to seal their conference-winning victory.
 
Augie's Macy Beinborn led all scorers with 22 points and added four rebounds and two assists. Gabriela Loiz was active on offense and on the glass with 14 points of her own and a game-high 13 rebounds. Berg also chipped in with 13 points.
 
IWU was led by Kaia Bowen's, one of four double-digit scorers, with 18 points. Other top buckets getters include Brooke Lansford with 13, Katelyn Heller with 13, and Lauren Huber with 10. Huber also led the Titans on the glass with nine rebounds.