SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Jay Murphy closed his Arkansas Tech career with a 23-point, seven-rebound performance, while Mike Balogun and D.J. Jethroe turned in identical 12-point efforts, and Clarence Willard scored 10 points but it was not enough for the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (18-14), as the nationally second-ranked Augustana Vikings (31-2) exploded offensively in the second half, handing Tech a 104-77 setback in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

The two teams traded buckets in the opening minutes, but Augustana quickly stretched its lead to eight (15-7) five minutes into the contest. Arkansas Tech was able to narrow the game to four points (15-11) on a layup by Nick Wayman with 12:37 to play in the opening half.

The Wonder Boys kept it close, but Augustana opened the game up into the double digits (29-19) on a 3-pointer by Central Region Player of the Year Daniel Jansen with 9:42 remaining in the half. The Wonder Boys were able to pull to within seven (38-31) with 2:17 to play in the half before going into the intermission trailing by eight (42-34).

After Tech cut it to six (42-36) on a jumper by Jethroe 20 seconds into the second half, Augustana used an 8-0 run to open the lead to 14 (50-36), and used hot shooting to create separation down the stretch.

The loss ends a remarkable season for the Wonder Boys, who captured the Great American Conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and qualified for their seventh consecutive postseason appearance.