Box Score

Mesa State post game press conference

Augustana post game press conference

Mesa State (23-6) fell to #3 seed Augustana (S.D) 95-84 in the semi-final round of the NCAA DII Central Region game Sunday evening in Mankato Minn. The loss ends the Mavericks most successful season in school history. Saturday night's first round win over Winona State was the first post season tournament victory for the men's basketball program.

Senior Mike Dominguez led all players with a career high 41 points, going 13 of 24 from the field, six treys and 9 of 9 from the foul line. MSC had three players in double digits; Dominguez, Michael Bear and Brian Kenshalo finished with 12 points each off the bench.

The Vikings (24-6) held a 55-37 rebound advantage and pulled down 19 offensive boards in the game. Augustana hit 31 of 39 free throws while the Mavericks made 15 of 21 from the foul line.

MSC held a 41-35 halftime lead and held its largest first half lead of eight points (41-33) at the 1:17 mark.  

Mike Dominguez tallied 22-first half points hitting 7 of 11 from the field including four treys (4-6) and a perfect 4 for 4 from the foul line.

MSC started the second half with a 6-2 run, four free throws (Jase Herl, Dominguez) and a bucket by Dominguez for a 10-point lead (47-37) only to have Augustana go on a 15-6 run and a 50-47 lead.  The Vikings extended their lead to double digits with 8:59 (69-59) remaining in regulation. Augustana maintained the double figure lead until 57 seconds left when Dominguez hit a trey to pull to within seven points. MSC closed the gap to six points with 43 seconds left on a trey by Kenshalo. The Vikings hit 7 of 9 free throws down the stretch to seal the win and advance to the title game Tuesday night.

Augustana will play the winner of the St. Cloud versus Minnesota State Mankato to be played later this evening. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight in Springfield, Mass.