The opening game for the Bemidji State men’s basketball team in the 2017 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference/Sanford Health Tournament will be a true post-season test while traveling to face reigning NCAA Division II National Champion Augustana University. BSU (10-17, 8-14 NSIC) and Augie (21-7, 16-6 NSIC) are scheduled to tip-off at 8 p.m. from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

With a history that dates back to 1966, Bemidji State and Augustana have met only 18 times. The Vikings lead the all-time series, 12-6, and have won 10 of the last 12 and the last four meetings, including a 78-60 victory in Sioux Falls, S.D., Feb. 4.

The Beavers held a 34-32 lead at halftime before the Vikings took the final lead of the night with two baskets out of the break. BSU tied the game at 48-48 before Augie broke away over the final 12:32 of play. Augustana held Bemidji State to 3-for-15 shooting from the field while going on a 30-12 run to end the game.

Augustana ended the regular season with a pair of home wins to extend its current win streak to six games. On Friday night against Winona State University, Augustana jumped out to a 9-2 lead and never trailed while picking up a 97-70 win. Augie went to overtime with Upper Iowa University and came away with a 92-87 win on Senior Night.

The Vikings’ win over the Warriors gave them their 20th victory of the season, marking the seventh time in the last 10 seasons Augustana has won 20 games. Augie has won 20 or more games in three straight seasons. Augustana out-rebounded Winona State 40-23 and finished the game shooting 48.3 percent from the field. The Vikings knocked down 11-of-26 from 3-point range, making three straight games with at least 10 or more 3-pointers.