Despite stellar performances from senior forward Charles Benson and sophomore guard Cody Tomlinson, the University of Minnesota Duluth dropped its seventh consecutive game to Augustana (S.D.) University 90-67 on Friday night at Romano Gymnasium.

Augustana looked like an unstoppable force on offense, shooting at a 55.4 percent clip from the field while converting on 39.1 percent of its three-point shots. Five different Vikings notched double-digit points, led by 13 from sophomore guard John Warren and junior guard Jordan Spencer.

UMD knocked down 23-of-55 from the floor for a 41.8 percentage. Benson led all scorers with a career-high 21 points while adding four rebounds, while Tomlinson picked up 16 points. The two combined to shoot 13-for-15 from the field, with Tomlinson shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the field and 4-of-4 from the three-point line. Benson has now surpassed 12 points in four of the last six games.

The game was controlled by the Vikings right from the get-go, as they opened up the night with a quick 9-3 lead. Augustana further extended its lead, embarking on a 16-2 run with 11:19 to play in the opening half. Despite UMD efforts to close the gap, the Vikings took a 49-26 lead into the break after junior guard Steven Schaefer hit a three-pointer as time expired in the first half.

Augustana led by as much as 26 and as little as 16 in the final 20 minutes before eventually capturing a 90-67 victory. Benson and Tomlinson each converted on 3-of-3 baskets in the second half for nine points a piece.

UMD will be back in action tomorrow night as they host Wayne State College. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Romano Gymnasium.