SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Despite 26 points from sophomore Josiah Gustafson, the Gorilla men's basketball team could not overcome the size advantage of the Augustana Vikings, falling 86-69 in the 2014-15 season opener at the Sanford Pentagon Showcase.

Augustana boasts a roster with only one player under 6-1, which helped them to a plus-12 rebounding advantage, 36-24. The Vikings also shot almost 57 percent from the floor.

Gustafson was the only Gorilla in double figures in the first half, with 10 points. He added 16 more in the second half for his career-high 26 and pulled down four rebounds. Devon Branch, last season's leading scorer, was held to just two points in the first half. He was able to score more in the second, adding 15 points and a team-high five rebounds. Javis Flynn added six points and five of the team's nine assists.

Pitt State scored the first points of the game, but Augustana took over the lead for good with just over 17 minutes to go in the first half. The Vikings earned their first double digit lead with 11:18 remaining at 22-12 and the Gorillas would get closer than that again. Augustana earned it largest lead of the game, 24 points, 80-56, with 6:01 to go in the game.

The Gorillas continue Sanford Pentagon Showcase play on Sunday (Nov. 16) against Northern State at 4 p.m.