CCU Basketball committed 33 turnovers Thursday, crippling their chances against Augustana at the North Star Invitational in Fairbanks, AK. The Cougars' ball-handling misfortune marked the worst showing for the blue and gold since January 7, 2011. The result was a disappointing 92-67 loss – their fourth of the season – for the Colorado Christian squad.
 
Though CCU put up a decent effort from the field in the game's opening period, Augustana won the half by exerting their will at the free throw line. There the Vikings sunk ten out of 14 shots, compared to a 1-for-2 effort from the Cougars. Augustana would also eventually wrap the game with 11 treys compared to just four from a Colorado Christian team yet to find their groove from downtown.
 
Still, nothing condemned the Cougars as much as the turnovers. Augustana scored 42 points off Christian giveaways.
 
Once again, it was CCU's inside players leading the Colorado Christian offense to a 44% showing from the field. With her third 17-point scoring effort this season, sophomore Claire Paxton notched a team-high, while Kate Louthan added 15 points and eight rebounds. Preseason All-RMAC pick Kayla Fakelman scored 13 points in just her second game since December 7, 2013.
 
Unfortunately, there wasn't much more happening offensively – or even defensively – for the Cougars. Augustana tipped the scales in their favor with a bench-scoring advantage and two-times the second chance points.
 
Still searching for their first win of the year, the Cougar squad will return to the North Star Invitational court Friday for a matinee contest against Saginaw Valley State University before closing out the weekend with a Saturday contest against host Alaska Fairbanks.