Rustlers defeat Vikings 77-74

The Lakeland Rustlers defeated the Augustana Vikings 77-74 Saturday night in Lloydminster.

The Vikings came out and took an early 5-0 lead, which they would extend to 16-6 midway through the first quarter.  The Rustlers struggled in the quarter and found themselves down 22-9 after one.  In the second quarter, the Rustlers came out aggressive but struggled to finish.  The Rustlers improved on the defensive end and cut the Vikings lead to 34-28 at the half.  The teams would trade baskets to start the third quarter with the Rustlers cutting the Vikings lead to 4.  The Rustlers found themselves down 1 with a minute left in the quarter, but the Vikings finished the third strong to take a 59-53 lead into the fourth.  In the fourth quarter, the Rustlers would battle hard to win on their home court.  The Rustlers took a 3 point lead with 5 minutes left, which they extended to 5 with under two minutes remaining.  The Vikings could not overcome the late deficit as the Rustlers came away with the 77-74 win.

Player of the Game for the Rustlers was #11, Hailey Somers.  Player of the Game for the Vikings was #12, Beliana Slikker