MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Gustavus women’s basketball, ranked No. 25 in the nation, won its eighth-straight game Saturday afternoon, defeating Augsburg 55-43, completing the MIAC sweep of the Auggies. With the win, the Gusties, who sit first in the conference, improve to 16-2 overall and 13-2 in conference play.
Anna Sanders (Sr., Vadnais Heights) started the scoring for the Gusties, sinking a three early in the game to open up the first quarter. Emma Kniefel (Jr., Medford) tacked on five more and Rachel Kawiecki (So., Richfield) made a jumper to give the Gusties 10 points before the Auggies could manage one. The Auggies, determined to keep pace with the MIAC’s top team, made a series of late 3-pointers to cut the Gustie lead to 14-10 after the first quarter.
A relentless Augsburg offense battled to get within one of the Gustie lead twice in the second quarter, at 14-13 and 16-15, and finally stole the momentum for the first lead change of the game at 20-17. A late 3-pointer from Sanders helped the Gusties get back on top, heading into halftime up one, 23-22.
The Gustie offense found its groove in the third quarter, putting up 10 unanswered points to separate from the Auggies at 32-22. Gustavus managed to hold at least an eight point lead over the Auggies for the remainder of the game, thanks to seven points from Grace Benz (Sr., Steele, N.D.) and six off the bench from Syd Hauger (Jr., Springfield) in the second half. The Gusties led by as many as 15 before picking up their eighth straight victory, 55-43.
Grace Benz stole the show on both ends of the court, putting up nine points and 12 rebounds, tying her career high. Morgan Kelly (So., Saint Peter) and Sanders led the Gustie offense with 11 points each, while Sanders also tallied team-highs in assists (three) and steals (three).
After three straight away games, the Gusties are back home on Monday, facing St. Scholastica for a 7 p.m. tip-off at Gus Young Court.