ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings women's basketball team earned a 72-51 victory over the Wheaton Thunder on Wednesday in the Carver Center.
The Vikings were first to score after Wheaton converted an over-and-back after tip-off, which led to a layup by Corey Whitlock from Kadence Tatum. The Thunder followed with two three-point baskets to take the advantage until Macy Beinborn sank a three-pointer at 2:45 to regain the lead for the Vikings. Augie followed with two made attempts by Beinborn and Emma Berg to run with an 18-11 lead at the end of the first. Augie made seven shots, while holding Wheaton to four.
In the second, Augie held the lead until Wheaton tied the score at 26-all with three minutes remaining. Augie never fell behind, answering with a made basket from Tatum and a three from Beinborn. The Thunder narrowed the game back down to three, but a buzzer-beater from Beinborn secured a 37-31 advantage at the break.
Coming back from the halftime break, the Vikings' defense held the Thunder to seven points throughout the third while putting up 17 of their own on offense. Wheaton shot just 18 percent in the period and hit only two shots, while the Vikings connected on an even 40 to help pull away. The team also blocked four shots and swiped five steals.
Augie continued to pull away, winning the final quarter 18-13 to complete the 21-point victory. The Vikings had their most efficient scoring period of the night, accumulating a 61.5 field goal percentage with eight shots made, while holding Wheaton with a 33.3 percentage.
Beinborn and Berg both grabbed 16 points to lead the Vikings, while Beinborn also had five rebounds, four assists, one block, and two steals. Whitlock and Tatum had eight points each, with Whitlock snatching eight rebounds, three assists, and one block. Tatum also added seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
With the win, the Vikings move to 10-7 on the season and 5-3 in conference play. Augie will travel to Chicago, Ill. to face off against the North Park Vikings on Saturday, January 17.
