The Millikin women's basketball team picked up its first conference win of the season defeating Augustana College 76-66 on Jan. 22 at the Griswold Center in Decatur, Ill.

          Millikin was able to break its trend of slow starts in CCIW contests opening the game with a 14-4 run and building a 31-24 advantage at the half.  Millikin never trailed in a game that was tied only twice including just once in the second half.  Millikin's largest lead in the contest was 12 points.

          Millikin shot 41 percent (23-56) from the field while Augustana struggled hitting only 33 percent (24-72).  Millikin made three of five (60 percent) from three-point range and hit on 27-38 (71 percent) from the free throw line.  The Vikings hit only 2-14 from three point range and 16-25 (64 percent) from the line.  Augustana out rebounded Millikin 49-42.

          The Big Blue had three players in double figures led by Jasmine Johnson with a career high 18 points and a team high nine rebounds.  Johnson added two steals and two blocks.  Yip Ypya had 16 points and six rebounds before leaving the game midway through the second half with an ankle injury.  Brittany Czaplicki scored 13 points and had five steals.

          Augustana featured a balanced attack with four players in double figures led by Chaney Tambling with 15 points.  Molly Ethridge had 13 points with all of them coming in the second half.  Katie Villa added 11 points and Marissa Pezzopane had 10 points and a team high nine rebounds.

          Millikin is now 7-10, 1-5 while Augustana goes to 5-12, 1-5.

          The Big Blue will be shooting for two straight when they travel to Chicago on Jan. 25 to face North Park University at 5 p.m.