MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University basketball team secured their third straight victory defeating Augsburg at Si Melby Hall 56-38. St. Kate's advances to 13-10 overall holding on to an 8-8 MIAC record.
Hattie Fox and
Lily Peper each scored 15 points on Saturday against the Auggies as Fox recorded nine boards while going 100 percent from the charity line. Peper had three rebounds, shooting 2 for 4 from the FT line. Rookie
Kate Flicek contributed a seven rebound performance while on the court for just eleven minutes and adding five points.
Augsburg took an early lead in a defensive first quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and fast breaks to go up 15-13. Both teams struggled with shooting efficiency, missing multiple three-pointers and layups. St. Kate's fought back late, closing the gap with steals and fast break layups but trailed by two as the quarter ended.
St. Kate's maintained control throughout the second quarter with help from Flicek, Fox and
Rachel Randleman and extended their lead from the free throw line. Augsburg made a late push in the second getting within four going into halftime.
The purple and gold extended the lead with strong shooting from beyond the arc, including threes by Schimnowski, Flicek, and Fox. Amira Laduke kept Augsburg in the game with multiple baskets in the paint, but St. Kate's defense, led by Peper and
Elle Covey, held firm with blocks and rebounds. Late free throws by
Kristen Oberle pushed the lead to 15 as they closed the quarter ahead 47-32.
The Wildcats paced the final minutes of the game steadily extending their lead with defensive plays and key baskets from Emme Golembieswski and Peper. Turnovers and missed opportunities plagued the Auggies, and a late three-pointer by Peper sealed the dominant performance, closing out the game with an 18-point victory.
Next up for St. Kate's is their final home game of the season hosting the Hamline University Pipers on Wednesday, February 19. They then close the season at Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday, February 22.
