ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana women's basketball team (11-12, 5-9) lost an incredibly competitive matchup this evening against the Wheaton Thunder (15-7, 7-6). Clutch offense from the Thunder in key, late-game situations proved to be the difference in the 68-65 tilt.
 
Augie jumped out to an early 4-0 lead before the Thunder settled and started trading blows for the remainder of the opening period. Wheaton's Lily Schwen banked one in during the first quarter's final moments to give the visitors a 20-19 lead after one.
 
The second period included more prominent team defense from both sides. The Vikings and Thunder continued to trade baskets, but Augustana did just enough to capture the halftime lead at 34-32.
 
Things got more physical and fiercer in the second half. The Vikings outscored Wheaton by just one point in the third quarter. Emily Brenneisen buried a three-ball after a Gabriela Loiz assist at the end of the penultimate period to break another tie.
 
To start the fourth quarter, Loiz flushed a lay-up and Macy Beinborn canned a triple to give Augustana a 57-49 lead, the largest of the game for either team. The Thunder fought back, however, and recaptured the lead at 60-59, one of the contest's 13 lead changes. Wheaton made enough plays and avoided near disaster down the stretch to hold on for the three-point victory.
 
Beinborn led Augustana's offensive effort with 20 points and eight rebounds. Loiz added 16 points and five assists for the Vikings.
 
The Thunder's Annika Richardson led all scorers with 24 points while Hannah Swider posted 19 and Ellie Cassel added 10. Swider led the rebounding effort for Wheaton with six.
 
The Vikings continue their march towards the postseason this weekend with their final road game of the year. Augie will visit Carthage on Saturday, Feb. 12.