The Austin girls basketball team picked up their third straight win with a strong second half effort in a 53-44 victory at Winona Friday.

The Packers (3-3 overall, 3-1 Big Nine) led by just one at the break, but they started strong in the second half and hung on to win.

“We’re always pleased to win in Winona after that one and a half hour bus ride,” Austin head coach Gary Peterson said. “Hopefully we keep improving and getting better.”

Babaye Oja led Austin with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Jenna Svoboda added 17 points and eight rebounds.

“Those two are playing really consistently for us,” Peterson said.

The Packers forced 24 turnovers while committing just 15 giveaways, but they were outrebounded 38-34.

“We’ve got to get a little more physical and a little stronger,” Peterson said.

Ellen Blacklock led Winona with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Austin 25 28 — 53

Winona 24 20 — 44

Austin scoring: Babaye Oja, 18; Jenna Svoboda, 17; Taylor Lady, 7; Mary Kate Barinka, 4; Sophia Hebrink, 2; Nina Carney, 2; Danielle Tschann, 2; Meredith Molhusen, 1; field goals: 29 percent (19-for-65); free throws: 60 percent (12-for-20); turnovers: 15