> Box Score

MARSHALL, Minn. - Augustana connected on a season-high 14 3-pointers and reached 90 points for the fifth time this season in earning a 96-77 victory over Southwest Minnesota State in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference men's basketball on Saturday night.

Augustana, ranked No. 13 in the country, finished the night shooting 56 percent (35 of 63) from the field, including 14 of 29 from 3-point range. The Vikings (13-1, 7-1 NSIC) also held a 36-26 rebound advantage in earning their sixth straight victory.

Casey Schilling led the Vikings with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Daniel Jansen added 20 points.

SMSU (9-5, 5-3 NSIC) ended the game shooting 51 percent (33 of 65) from the field, while making 11 of 26 3-pointers. The Mustangs failed to attempt a free throw in the game.

Joey Bartlett led the Mustangs with 14 points with four 3-pointers, while Mitch Weg and Turner Moen each chipped in with 12 points. MJ Delmore led SMSU with six rebounds and five assists.

SMSU held an 18-17 lead following a 3-pointer by Drew Osmundson with 11:29 remaining in the opening half, but Augustana answered with a 16-5 run to build a 34-23 at the 7:48 mark.

SMSU cut the deficit later to 39-31 after a dunk by Carter Kirk, but the Vikings closed the half strong to take a 47-35 halftime lead.

The Vikings quickly extended the lead to 63-44 in the first five minutes of the half and never looked back in earning the victory and handing SMSU its third home loss this season.

Southwest Minnesota State will hit the road next weekend, facing Upper Iowa University next Friday, Jan. 9, starting at 8 p.m.