By DONNY NADEAU
Saint Mary's University Sports Information Director
 
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — If the first four games of the season—not to mention the 217 combined points scored in the teams' first meeting a year ago—were any indication, Saturday's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference clash between the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and Augsburg men's basketball teams was destined to be a high-scoring affair.
 
And all indications proved correct.
 
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, it was Augsburg that had its offense cranked into high gear, as the Auggies erupted for 52 first-half points and Saint Mary's could not keep pace in falling 93-74 at Si Melby Hall.
 
The Auggies knocked down the game's first two baskets for a quick 4-0 lead, but Saint Mary's responded with six unanswered points to take a brief, 6-4 advantage early in the opening half.
 
That, however, would be the only time Saint Mary's would hold the lead, as the Auggies took control, riding the hot had of Henry Mulligan—who knocked down all four of his first-half 3-pointers in helping Augsburg to a commanding 52-28 lead heading into the halftime intermission.
 
The Auggies continued their torrid shooting over the game's final 20 minutes, building their lead to as many as 30 twice—including 82-52 with 7:05 remaining. The Cardinals outscored Augsburg 22-11 over those final seven minutes, but it was not enough.
 
David Lindstrand (Lakeville, Minn.) led the way for the Cardinals, scoring a career-high 15 points, while Jakob Bailey (Cameron, Wis.) chipped in 11. Saint Mary's shot 50 percent from the field (29-for-58)—including six 3-pointers—while going 10 of 12 from the free throw line.
 
Augsburg, which shot a blistering 54 percent from the field (37-for-68d) and rained 12 3-pointers, put five players in double figures, led by Mulligan with 16, and Nick Sabatke and Booker Coplin with 14 each.
 
The Cardinals (0-2 MIAC, 1-4 overall) are back in action on Wednesday, returning home to the Saint Mary's Gym for a 7 p.m. conference matchup against Carleton.