The 2 best games in the MIAC tonight both featured Bethel and Augsburg, and the Auggies just keep rolling along. The men are 6-2 in 3rd place after edging the Royals 86-82. The women remain undefeated in the conference at 7-0 after TCB on the road, 74-67. Both were competitive games. The men were tied at 78-all with 2:04 left in the game, and the Bethel women were within 55-54 at 6:34.
First, the women. I wrote earlier this year that this could be, might be the best Augsburg team ever. Now, no offense, but that's not saying a whole lot. 5th is as high as the Auggies have ever finished in the MIAC in about 35 years. But, still, being the best is an achievement any way you want to look at it. And, now, at 7-0, they've darned near clinched some degree of immortality, though I know they'll say they have a lot of work still to do. And, of course, they do. But, for now, a win at Bethel is always a good win.
Senior guards Ari Jones and Tamira McLemore combined for 29 points. Jones added 7 assists and 2 blocks, McLemore 6 boards and 4 steals. McLemore scored 7 points in a key 3rd quarter run where Augsburg turned a 32-27 deficit into a 48-43 lead. Taite Anderson had 15 points and 7 boards, and Hannah Johnson 7 points, 14 boards and 2 blocks for Bethel.
Then, the men. This one was at Augsburg. The Auggies led just 41-38 at the half but expanded that to a seemingly comfortable 69-52 at 9:43. But Bethel roared back to tie it at 74, then 78. But Booker Coplin scored 4 points inside of 2 minutes and the Auggies held on. Collin had a monster night--36 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals. Matt Carik added 26-6 and 5. Derek Magnuson scored 24 for Bethel and Granger Kirkland added a 15-7-3 line.
Player of the Day--Booker Coplin
Team of the Day--Augsburg women
Coach of the Day--Ted Riverso
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