MARSHALL, Minn. – No. 25 Augustana (S.D.) opened up the second half on an 18-8 run to take a 12-point advantage and would go on to defeat Southwest Minnesota State 71-61 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women's basketball action on Saturday night in Marshall.

Alex Feeney led all players with 16 points while adding seven rebounds for the Vikings and was one of four players to reach double-figures for Augustana. Molly Hayes finished with 14 points on 5 of 10 shoowing while Emily Schulte and Shaunteva Ashley each finished with 11 points.

Abby Kenealy led the Mustangs scoring 13 points on 4 of 13 shooting while going 4 of 5 from the free throw line. Taylor Voss finished and Hope Bonlander each added nine points for the Mustangs.

SMSU shot 91 percent from the free throw line making a season-high 21 of 23 from the stripe. The Mustangs were 13 of 13 in the first half alone and did not miss a free throw until the seven minute mark of the second half.

The first half saw five tie scores and six lead changes. Jessie Watts tied the game at 21 hitting consecutive free throws and the Mustangs went on 7-0 run to take a 30-21 lead over the Vikings. Augustana finished the first half on an 11-0 run to take a 32-30 lead into the locker room.

The Mustangs were held to 29 percent (8 of 27) shooting in the first half while the Vikings were 11 of 31 (35 percent) including 4 of 10 from 3-point range. Watts led the Mustangs in the first half connecting on 4 of 4 from the free throw line.

Augustana got into foul trouble early in the game sending the Mustangs to the line 13 times. SMSU was 13 of 13 from the charity stripe in the half. 

Augustana's 18-8 run to start the second half helped the Vikings take a 12-point 50-38 lead with 13 minutes to play in the game. The Mustangs rebounded with a 13-6 run of their own to come within five after consecutive free throws by Watts.

Watts finished the game with a career-high six free throws while adding eight points and five boards.

SMSU forced 14 turnovers in the game leading to 16 points for the Mustangs. Augustana forced the Mustangs into 18 turnovers and was able to score 16 points in transition off the fast break.

The Mustangs have now lost nine straight games and will return to action next Friday traveling to St. Paul, Minn. to take on Concordia-St. Paul at 6 p.m. SMSU will then travel to St. Cloud State on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tip-off with the Huskies.