The Austin girls basketball team struggled to produce points in the second half of a 54-46 loss to Owatonna in Ove Berven Gym Friday.

Austin senior Jenna Svoboda, who had 10 points and three steals, fouled out with 6:47 left in the game and the Packers (0-3 overall, 0-1 Big Nine) couldn’t get closer than three the rest of the way.

“It’s a tough battle without Jenna out there,” Austin head coach Todd Johnson said. “I thought the kids battled hard, but we just need to finish things.”

Austin pulled to within 45-42 when Alex Hansen hit two free throws with 3:56 left in the game, but Owatonna started playing stall ball at that point and the Huskies went 9-for-12 from the line down the stretch.

The Packers led 30-28 at the half after Steph Justice, who led Austin with 13 points, hit a jumper right before halftime. But Owatonna (1-2 overall, 1-0 Big Nine) scored the first eight points of the second half and it never trailed again.

“I’ve got no problem with the effort of the kids,” Johnson said. “We’ve just got to learn how to beat these teams. A traditional nemesis doesn’t have to be a traditional nemesis. We can play with these teams.”

Hansen chipped in six points for the Packers and she added six steals. Johnson is hoping the sophomore guard can add some offense to go with her defense.

“Alex can develop into a good scorer,” he said. “She has to realize she’s not going to make every shot and she just has to settle down and play her game. She’s a great athlete.”

Austin forced 27 Owatonna turnovers in the loss.

Owatonna 28 26 — 54

Austin 30 16 — 46

Austin scoring: Steph Justice, 13; Jenna Svoboda, 10; Gabby Wagner, 6; Alex Hansen, 6; Merideth Fritz, 4; Jocelyn Sheehan, 4; free throws: 50 percent (5-for-10); rebounds: 22 (Sheehan, 5); turnovers: 22