The number 1 ranked division three basketball team in the nation, the Augustana Vikings, took their first hit at home, losing 84-89 to the unranked Illinois Wesleyan.
“We’ve won 10 in a row, ranked number one, and everyone’s been telling us how good we are,” said head Coach Giovanine. “And I don’t think we looked like that tonight, and I think we looked a little bit full of ourselves.”
During the first half, Augustana was outshot in field goals, three-pointers, and free throws, while the Titans made 15 out of 26 field goals, 5 out of 7 three pointers and 13 out of 15 free throws. The Vikings left the first half down by six, with a score of 42-48.
Coach Giovanine’s squad came into the second half looking to take back the lead, which began with the help of junior guard, Griffin Pils. This season, Pils has played in 14 games, averaging 14. 7 minutes and 5.1 points per game.
Pils scored 15 points during the second half, behind forward Ben Ryan and guard Hunter Hill’s 19 points a piece. Pils’ jumper and sequential free throw at the 9:46 mark made the score 62-63. Ryan tied the game at the 8:20 mark with a score of 65-65.
Despite the Vikings’ efforts to gain control of the game in the 2nd half, a slow defense prevented them from prevailing.
“We got it tied, and then we came out of timeout and didn’t get any stops,” said Giovanine. “We fought our way back, competed and gave ourselves a chance, but when the game was in the balance, our defense didn’t rise like it has traditionally.”
Regardless of the defense’s performance, Giovanine said that he liked Pil’s efforts late in the game.
“He responded great, and he hasn’t played the past couple of games,” said Giovanine. “He’s had good practices, played in the JV game, and did a great job, and I thought he really sparked us.”
With the next three games on the road, the Vikings hope to bounce back.
“I told them with a set back, there’s only one of two ways you go,” said Giovanine. “And, we’ll get in there and watch that film, which will certainly be demanding as a staff, but it’s more important that they are demanding of one another; so, I expect us to pick ourselves up.”
The Vikings will play next at Millikin on Saturday, having learned from tonight’s game, Hill said.
“We’ve had a tough loss like this in previous years, and you just have to learn from it, go back and watch the film tomorrow, and move on,” said Hill.