ROCK ISLAND -- The Augsutana Viking women's basketball team defeated the Millikin Big Blue in the Carver Center on Wednesday by a score of 58-48.

The Vikings collected the first seven points of the game following baskets from Carly Stone and Cali Papez. Millikin followed with three of their own, but made shots from Kadence Tatum and Papez moved the gap to 11-3 with seven minutes remaining. Augie remained out in front and secured its highest-scoring quarter, leading 20-12 after 10 minutes of action.

In a low-scoring second quarter, Millikin got within four on two different occasions, but Paige Melton secured the largest lead of the half after a layup increased the advantage to nine at 6:15. The Vikings hovered around that margin before securing a 29-21 lead at the break. Papez led the team with 15 points and eight rebounds after one half. 

Returning to the court, Augie notched the first six points in the quarter to stretch the difference to 14 with a score of 35-21. The Vikings held the Big Blue to just 20 percent shooting on three made shots and swiped four steals to keep the visitors under 10 points for the second straight quarter. A slight 10-9 advantage moved the cushion to 39-29 entering the fourth.

In the final frame, Augie saw its lead reach 12 on six different occasions and saw a high of 13 following a free throw by Melton to make it a 54-41 game. Millikin got within eight with 16 seconds remaining but Stone secured two free throws to make a 58-48 final score.

The Augustana defense held Millikin to just 28 percent shooting for the game and 5-32 from behind the three-point line. Papez led the team with a double-double at 21 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Tatum also secured double-digit rebounds with 10, while Melton tallied 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Stone also added 10 points.

With the win, Augie moves to 7-8 on the season and 3-3 in conference play. The team will remain in the Carver Center on Saturday, January 18 for a conference showdown against Carroll.