The Yellow Jacket men's basketball team came out ready to play on Saturday night as they defeated the Augustana Vikings at home 83-67.  The Yellow Jackets were consistent on both ends of the floor shooting 53% from the field and 47% from behind the arc and holding Augie to a 42% and 23% shooting effort.

After a hard fought first half, Black Hills State took the lead going into the break by a score of 37-33 following a last second 3-point shot by sophomore Myles Henry.  The Yellow Jackets maintained that momentum and started the second half with energy and purpose and extended their lead to 10 points at the 15:00 mark.  Augie went on a couple of runs within the second half, but were unable to overcome the consistent play from the Yellow Jackets.

Coach Schafer was pleased with his team's performance tonight against a bigger, and a very physical, Augustana squad.  He liked the effort the team showed and the way they worked together on the court. 

Sophomore forward Riley Ryan led the Jackets in scoring with 17 total points, followed closely by junior Joey Mitchell, who shot four for five from behind the arc and had a total of 16 points for the game.  Also in double digits for scoring were Tommy Earl with 14 points and Myles Henry with 13.  In rebounding, Cameron Anderson led the Yellow Jackets with eight total rebounds, followed by Riley Ryan with seven.

Next up for the Yellow Jackets will be an exhibition game vs. the University of Wyoming in Laramie on Monday night.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm MST and can be heard on Eagle Country 95.9!