Vikings cruise to victory in Elmen Center opener

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AUGUSTANA) — Augustana men’s basketball cruised to a 90-63 victory over Bellevue on Sunday afternoon at the Elmen Center.

The Vikings (3-3) led nearly wire-to-wire, using a 55-point first half to seize control and never letting the Bruins (8-1) threaten down the stretch. Augustana dominated inside, outscoring Bellevue 38-20 in the paint and matching the Bruins with 13 second-chance points.

For the second straight game, the Vikings shot at least 50.0% from the field (31-of-62) and went a season-best 20-of-21 at the free-throw line (95.2%). Bellevue was held to 32.4% shooting overall (22-of-68) and 20.5% from three (8-of-39).

It was a team effort for the Vikings as each of the first 10 players to take the court made at least a basket, led by 16 points from Tameron Ferguson. Feguson added six assists and four rebounds while going 6 of 10 from the field. Tammer Te Slaa added 15 points and eight rebounds while making all seven free throws he attempted.

Caden Hinker made 5 of 8 attempts from the field on his way to a 14 point, five rebound game and Bennett Fried also added five rebounds while scoring 10 points.

Bellevue struck first in the opening minute, but Augustana answered immediately with a Tanner Te Slaa three and quickly ignited a run that flipped the game and gave the Vikings a 25-8 lead at the 12:28 mark in the first half.

The Vikings continued to pour it on late in the half, leading by 22 at 40-18 with 5:48 to play after a pair of Te Slaa free throws. After Bellevue pulled within 44-24, Te Slaa converted on a seven-point play with an and-one and four technical free throws between the basket and the free throw to give AU a 7-0 run without a second ticking off the clock. The Vikings were able to stretch that lead to 55-26 at the half.

Augustana kept its foot on the gas after halftime. Ferguson opened the second half with strong drives and a deep triple as the Vikings pushed the margin past 30. Hinker followed with timely buckets, and Fried’s work inside helped Augustana maintain control on both ends.

Bellevue tried to respond with perimeter shooting, but the Vikings’ length and rebounding limited clean looks and prevented any sustained run. The lead ballooned to 40 with just over eight minutes remaining, allowing Augustana to rotate freely through its bench while closing out the win.

Augustana will look to build on Sunday’s momentum as it returns to Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play on Thursday, hosting Southwest Minnesota State at 5:30 p.m. inside the Elmen Center.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.