The Benedictine University men's basketball team led for almost the entire first half but dropped a 78-70 non-conference decision at home to visiting Augustana.
Benedictine opened a 15-point first half advantage at 26-11 with 10:58 to go. Augustana came back to tie the game but Benedictine held a 41-38 advantage at the half following a basket from
Patrick Mayfield. The visitors used a 12-0 run early in the second half to seize control. Augustana went on to lead by 11. Benedictine made several efforts to rally but could not come up with the key basket.
Augustana held a 43-30 advantage on the glass with 16 on the offensive end. Benedictine shot 54 percent in the first half but just 36 percent in the second, finishing the game at 44.6 percent. Four players reached double figures in the game.
Tanner Resch scored 17 with Mayfield adding 14.
Noah Mason came off the bench to score 13, recording a pair of electrifying dunks.
Nathan LaPlant added 10.
Benedictine (3-7) returns to action on December 30 against Illinois College.
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