The Vikings first invaded Ireland in 795. It's unlikely that incursion was on Augustana's mind this past week when the men's basketball trip swept five games on the Emerald Isle, but it's possible.

Coach Grey Giovanine was ecstatic with the trip. “We made real strides as a team and had a successful trip in every respect,” he said. “Everyone is excited.”

The Vikings shook off any jet lag to beat Killarney Gleneagle Lakers 12 hours after landing on Aug. 27, then toured the country before finishing the trip with four games (all of them wins) in four days.

Jay McAdams-Thornton, a rising junior forward, averaged 15.8 points over the four games for Augustana, including a team-high 18 against St. Vincent's, a team the Vikings beat 72-62 with a 15-0 run down the stretch. They also beat Dart Killester 74-73 in overtime, University Cork 77-56, and blew out the Under-20 national team 73-41.