Second-Half Run Proves Difference-Maker In New Year's Eve Win Over Augustana

More news about: Wisconsin Lutheran

MILWAUKEE (WLCSports.com) - Graduate Jacob Stoltz (Kewaskum, Wis.) scored a game-high 20 points to lead 17th-ranked Wisconsin Lutheran College to a 68-54 win over Augustana (IL) in its final non-conference game of the season on Tuesday at Time of Grace Center.

The Warriors (10-1), who wrapped up a perfect non-conference slate (7-0) for the first time in program history, allowed the fewest points to an opponent since its 2023-2024 season opener at Martin Luther (49).

WLC broke away from a nip-and-tuck opening five minutes with an 8-0 scoring run that gave the hosts a first-half high 15-6 lead with 11:23 remaining following a layup from graduate Ryan Broeckel (Chilton, Wis.). The Vikings later answered with an 8-0 run of their own to take their second lead of the opening 20 minutes at 26-22 with three minutes left in the first half. AC led by as many as five points at 28-23, before heading to the locker room holding a slim 30-28 halftime edge. Wisconsin Lutheran trailed by just two despite being held to 33.3 percent (10-for-30) shooting in the first half.

Following four ties and one lead change through the opening six minutes of the second half, the Warriors ripped off their largest scoring run of the game, 16-2, to build a 48-36 lead with 10:12 remaining. A pair of free throws from Stoltz at the 5:19 mark put WLC in front by 11 points at 57-46, but Augustana responded with six straight points to come with five. Senior AJ Vos (Lombard, Ill.) ended the run with a layup and Stoltz added two more free throws to push the advantage up to nine with just 2:23 left. Four of WLC's final seven points came at the charity stripe as the final margin grew to a game-high 14 points.

Stoltz posted his sixth 20-point game of the season to lead all scorers. Graduate Grayson Goetz (Aurora, Ill.) stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Broeckel was the third player in double figures with 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks. Wisconsin Lutheran, which won its 19th straight home game, finished the game shooting 40.4 percent (23-for-57) from the floor.

Staishaun Kelley and Tyler Knuth scored 10 points apiece for the Vikings (8-4), who shot 37.3 percent (22-for-59) for the game. 

The Warriors continue their four-game homestand on Saturday when they resume NACC play against Marian (11-0, 4-0 NACC) at Time of Grace Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. Live coverage links can be found at WLCSports.com.