Galesburg, IL – In an exciting exhibition charity matchup, the Augustana College Club Basketball team narrowly defeated Knox College Club 80-75 at Memorial Gymnasium on October 27th. With 642 fans in attendance, Augustana showcased a balanced attack, led by freshman standout Conor McCaffrey, as they look to improve upon last season’s results heading into the 2024-25 campaign.
Freshman Conor McCaffrey made an immediate impact, leading all scorers with 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. McCaffrey also contributed heavily in other areas, with 5 rebounds and an impressive 8 assists, controlling the tempo and displaying his playmaking skills. His ability to both score and facilitate was crucial for Augustana, especially as Knox made a late-game push.
Senior captain Ben Statz was another key contributor, scoring 18 points while shooting 7-for-16 from the field and 2-for-6 from three-point range. Statz’s aggressive play helped Augustana maintain momentum through the game’s physical stretches, and his 6 rebounds provided additional support on the boards.
Another captain, Kade Ariano, showed his prowess in the paint, finishing with 12 points and leading the team in rebounds with 11, including 3 on the offensive end. Ariano’s inside presence was essential in keeping Knox at bay, particularly in the second half when Knox cut Augustana’s lead to single digits.
The Vikings built a 41-37 lead by halftime, thanks in part to solid shooting from beyond the arc, going 6-for-22 from deep overall. Although their three-point shooting percentage was modest, their consistency at the free-throw line (20-for-24) gave them a crucial edge in the close contest.
Junior Justin Garcia added 9 points, hitting one three-pointer and grabbing 3 rebounds, while Eli Aldana contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds in just 20 minutes of play. Both players provided the necessary depth and defensive intensity that Augustana will rely on during the regular season.
Despite the win, Head Coach Brad Anderson acknowledged that there is room for improvement, especially with 16 turnovers on the stat sheet. “We’re happy to get the win, but we need to take better care of the ball and work on our defensive rotations,” Anderson noted. “Still, I’m proud of the energy the guys brought today, especially Conor and our senior leaders.”
With a final score of 80-75, Augustana was able to close out the game under pressure, weathering a late Knox rally. This exhibition win gives the Vikings a confidence boost as they prepare for the official season opener against Butler Club on November 3rd.
As Augustana enters the season, they’ll be looking to build on the chemistry displayed in this preseason game. Led by captains Ben Statz and Kade Ariano, and with McCaffrey showing flashes of potential as a CCIW Freshman of the Year candidate, the Vikings hope to make a statement in the CCIW this year.