ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings women's basketball team found victory over the Carthage Firebirds on Saturday by a score of 78-68.
The Vikings got on the board first with a 11-0 run in the first three minutes of action. Augie doubled the score after a jump shot from Cali Papez to make the score 18-9 at 3:59 before the Firebirds got within five with a 5-0 run of their own. The Vikings maintained their momentum and closed out the first quarter with two shots from the charity stripe by Mariola Tesoro to move into the second with a score of 20-13. Augie secured seven field goals in the frame, while holding Carthage to five.
The Firebirds outscored the Vikings in the second with a 20-17 margin, but Augie maintained the lead with a score of 37-33. Carthage got within two points on two different occasions, but a late three from Emma Berg moved the Vikings back out in front by two possessions. Berg led the Vikings with 15 points and Corey Whitlock had 11 rebounds after 20 minutes of action.
In a neck-to-neck third quarter, Augie kept the advantage until a set of free throws by the Firebirds evened the score at 49-49 at 2:35. A jumper from Whitlock brought the lead back to the Vikings' favor and a floater by Kadence Tatum increased the gap to four points. Carthage claimed the final five points of the quarter to bring things back to a tie heading into the final period.
In the final quarter, Augie secured a 10-point deficit after making eight field goals and grabbing seven extra points from the free throw line. The Firebirds tied the score at 56-56 at 9:42 and took a two-point advantage until a layup from Whitlock evened the score back to 58-58. With just over four minutes remaining, the Vikings went on a 7-0 run to increase the gap to 10 points before converting 7-8 shots from the charity stripe in the final minute to secure the 78-68 victory.
Four Vikings secured double-digit points in the win, with Whitlock leading the way with a double-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks. Berg had 15 points, while Tatum posted 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Beinborn also added 11 points.
With the win, the Vikings move to 12-10 on the season and 7-6 in conference play. The team will hit the road on Wednesday, February 7 to face off against the North Central Cardinals.
