SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Winona State University controlled the opening tipoff Saturday afternoon and led Augustana University on a basket by Rachel Novotny, but the Warrior advantage was short-lived as the Vikings scored the next four points of the tilt and never trailed again in a 75-65 win on their home court.

The Warriors have only allowed 70 points to an opponent twice this season - each coming to Augustana. Despite being held to just nine points offensively in the first quarter, Winona State's defense was able to keep the ballgame close for the duration of the frame.

Augustana's hot shooting in the second period allowed the Vikings to distance themselves from the Warriors with an 8-2 run midway through the quarter. A layup by Gabie Doud at the 3:27 mark cut the WSU deficit to 24-19, but the Vikings answered with back-to-back threes to gain an 11-point lead. Augustana would go 3-3 from beyond the arc over the final three minutes of the first half to take a 33-24 advantage into the break.

The Warriors utilized the post play in the second half to try and work their way back into the matchup. Winona State continued to feed Novotny in the post, but the Viking offense would not slow down on the other end of the floor.

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Warriors made another run at the Vikings highlighted by a three-point play from Sydney Lodermeier to slash the Augustana lead to 65-57. However, the Vikings once again padded their lead back to double digits on their ensuing possession. Emily Kieck answered with three-pointer on WSU's next offensive possession, but the Vikings would keep the Warriors at a distance over the final four minutes to comfortably hold on to the win.

Julia Silloway led the Warriors with 11 points on the night followed by Novotny with 10 of her own. Freshman Jenna Bruss played a career-high 13 minutes and tallied six points in an extended role.

Winona State drops the season series to Augustana and falls to even on the year at 7-7 (5-5 NSIC) after being swept on the road this weekend. The Vikings improve to 16-3 (8-2 NSIC).

Winona State will be back on the road next weekend with a road trip to Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State on January 18-19.