ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's basketball team dropped an 81–62 decision to Elmhurst on Wednesday night at the Roy J. Carver Center. The loss moves Augustana to 10–10 overall and 5–6 in CCIW play.
Augustana opened the scoring with a Dom Rhoden layup in the first 70 seconds as both teams struggled to find rhythm early, trading turnovers and missed shots. Elmhurst grabbed an early 8–4 advantage before Cam Atkinson drove through the defense for a layup, followed 26 seconds later by Marieon Anderson tying the game with a basket of his own. Anderson struck again moments later, finishing a pass from Ray Maurchie to give the Vikings a 10–8 lead.

After another brief scoring drought, Andre Klaver ended the lull with a quick layup off a feed from Caden Workman. Elmhurst responded with back-to-back baskets to go up 14–12, but Jake Willems energized the crowd with a deep three-pointer to reclaim the lead for Augustana. The Bluejays answered with three straight baskets to build a six-point advantage, briefly interrupted by a Klaver floater. Elmhurst continued to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, stretching the lead to 10 with under 7:30 remaining in the half. Despite buckets from Klaver, Atkinson, and Willems, the Vikings struggled defensively, heading into halftime trailing 43–31.

Rhoden opened the second half with a strong take to the basket, cutting the deficit to 10. After a nearly two-and-a-half-minute scoring drought, Willems ended the stretch by grabbing his own rebound and finishing inside. Dani Romero followed with a driving layup, and Willems scored again to trim the margin to five. Anderson pulled Augustana within one possession after securing his own offensive rebound and knocking down a jumper.

Elmhurst responded with a decisive 12–2 run to regain control of the game. While the Vikings continued to find scoring from Willems, Anderson, and Klaver, the Bluejays' defensive pressure and efficiency at the free-throw line proved too much, sealing the 81–62 victory.

Augustana held the rebounding edge, outrebounding Elmhurst 39–33, and received 35 points from its bench. Willems led the Vikings with 21 points and six rebounds, while Anderson added 13 points and four boards. Klaver chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds.

The Vikings return to action on Saturday, February 7, with a 4:15 p.m. tip-off at Carroll.