The Cougars got off to a slow start falling behind 12-2 four minutes into the first half, following a 10-0 Bison run. Sparked by four three pointers, from Vanessa Johnson (2) and Bailey Bouman (2), USF would take a 20-18 lead and at one point hold a 28-21 lead with eight minutes left in the half. However, the Bisons responded with a 21-7 run of their own to go up 42-35 at the break.

USF kept it close most of the second half, where they knotted up the score with NDSU four times. A Liz Keena jumper put the Bison ahead 68-59 with just over four minutes remaining in the game. The Cougars fought back over the next two minutes of play, as four free throws by Jamey Hofer and a big three pointer by Vanessa Johnson cut the Bison's lead to four (72-68) with 1:47 left to play. USF missed their next three shots, while NDSU sunk six free throws in the final minute and a half to pick up a 78-68 win.

USF showed depth tonight as their bench outscored NDSU's bench, 34-18. Their efficient shooting was also encouraging. The Cougars knocked down 11 of 24 (45.8%) three point attempts and finished 17 for 17 from the free throw line.

Despite strong play from the front court, the Cougars struggled to score points in the paint, where the Bison's held a 28-10 advantage. Rebounding was also an issue for USF tonight, specifically on the defensive end, where NDSU converted 13 offensive rebounds into 14 points.

Vanessa Johnson led the Cougars with 14 points, sinking four of her six attempts from behind the arc. Jamey Hofer also had a strong outing. She recorded 12 points tonight and finished perfect from the free throw line (8-8). Bailey Bouman contributed 11 points on the night, while Alyssa Rushton added nine points and a team high six rebounds from the guard position.

USF will begin their 2011 regular season play, next Saturday (Nov. 12) when they travel to Marshall, Minn. to take on the Mustangs of Southwest Minnesota State University.