ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - The Elmhurst University men's basketball team dropped a tough road contest against Augustana by a score of 92-78 at the Carver PE Center in a CCIW Tournament Quarterfinal matchup.

Despite a strong second-half offensive performance, the Bluejays couldn't overcome their first-half deficit, ending the season11-15 overall. Augustana, improving to 17-9 and advancing to Friday night's semifinal round, used an efficient offensive attack and dominant rebounding to secure the win.

In his final game as a Bluejay, Tagen Pearson led Elmhurst with 22 points, knocking down four three-pointers and going 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. Sebastian Blachut followed with 16 points and four rebounds, while Jack Cherry contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Dominic Trelenberg added 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Augustana outshot Elmhurst, hitting 46.3% from the field (31-of-67) compared to Elmhurst's 42.1% (24-of-57). The Vikings also dominated the rebounding battle with a 45-32 advantage, including 16 offensive boards. Elmhurst had a slight edge from three-point range (9-of-30, 30%), but Augustana's 42 points in the paint and 25 fast-break points proved decisive. Turnovers were fairly even, with Elmhurst committing 12 and Augustana 10.

The game opened with both teams trading baskets, but Augustana quickly took control, capitalizing on Elmhurst's early turnovers and cold shooting. The Vikings built an early lead behind Staishaun Kelley's aggressive play, and a late scoring surge extended their advantage to 40-27 at halftime. Elmhurst struggled from deep, shooting just 5-of-18 (27.8%) from three in the first half, while Augustana capitalized on second-chance points and transition opportunities.

Elmhurst came out firing in the second half, with Pearson and Cherry leading a comeback attempt. The Bluejays cut the deficit to single digits midway through the half, but Augustana responded with timely buckets from Kelley and Ray Maurchie. The Vikings' ability to get to the free-throw line (17-of-20 in the half) and control the boards ultimately sealed the victory in the second half.

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