SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Nebraska-Omaha men had a hard time in its North Central Conference season opener, falling 83-60 to Augustana Thursday night at the Sioux Falls Arena.
The loss drops the Mavs to 9-6 on the season, 0-1 in NCC play. Augustana advanced to 14-2, 1-0 in NCC play.
The Vikings opened the game on fire, hitting shots from long range to start the game with a 19-5 run. As the first half progressed, Augustana's shooting only got hotter, as it ran off an 18-0 run in the latter half of the period. The Vikings made 16-of-24 shots, for 67 percent, including 9-of-13 from 3-point range, to hold a commanding 47-19 lead at halftime. The Mavericks, meanwhile, shot a paltry 25 percent, going just 7-for-28.
UNO's shooting improved in the second half, as the Mavs hit on 14-of-31 attempts. But facing such a large deficit and with Augustana continuing their strong shooting and aggressive play on defense, the Mavericks were never able to sufficiently get back into the game.
Andrew Bridger provided one of the few bright spots for UNO on the night, hitting three 3-pointers in the second half, including two back-to-back which were part of a 12-5 scoring run midway through the second half.
Michael Jenkins led the team with 13 points, with Bridger tallying 11.
Nick Olson led the Vikings with 18 points.
The Mavericks get another break in the schedule, with their next game scheduled for next Saturday, Jan. 13 against Minnesota Duluth. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. at Sapp Fieldhouse.
