ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College women's basketball team hosted Augsburg College in Wednesday evening MIAC play. The Auggies shot 60% in the first half to cruise to a 20-point lead after the first 20 minutes of play. Riding out the early lead, Augsburg capped off the night with a 75-52 final victory.
 
Macalester falls to 7-9 overall and 2-7 in conference play. Augsburg improves to 9-7 overall and 4-5 in the MIAC.
 
After a slow offensive start, the Scots gained momentum in the second half, outscoring the Auggies 16-14 in the third quarter and improving their shooting percentage by over 20%. Senior point guard Erin Murray (Sparta, Wis. / Sparta) led the way offensively, scoring 16 points on five of eight shooting from the field.
 
Sophomores Regan Fruh (Helena, Mont. / Helena) and Leah Gray (San Rafael, Calif. / Branson School) assisted in the scoring effort. Fruh finished with 14 points and six rebounds. Gray grabbed her second double-double of the season scoring 10 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.
 
Sophomore guard Vivi Gregorich (Boulder, Colo. / Boulder) dished out five assists.
 
Augsburg was led in scoring by Maria Loughlin with 12 points.
 
The Scots will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 23 when they take on Saint Mary's University. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Leonard Center following the men's game. The Cardinals enter the match-up with a 14-2 overall record and an 8-1 mark in the MIAC, putting them in first place in the standings.