Second half scoring and a double-digit performances from all five starters secured USF's first home win Saturday afternoon at the Stewart Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Cougars dominant 83-66 win moves them to 7-1 on the year and extends their win streak to five.
The two teams kept it close in the first half, where the game was tied twice and there were a total of nine lead changes.
It was evident that both teams liked to shoot the long ball, as they combined for 29 3-point attempts in the first 20 minutes of play.
A 3-pointer from Maggie Seter for the Jimmies tied the game for the second time in the first half with 10:11 to go. Her shot made it 20-20.
Eight minutes later, USF put up three of their own, when Holli Aggen found Laura Johnson at the top of the key to give the Cougars a 37-31 lead, their largest of the half, but Jamestown would end the period on a 7-0 run to carry a 38-37 lead into the locker room at the break.
Jamestown outshot the Cougars in the first half, shooting 48.3%-39.4%. They also showed their depth as they outscored the USF bench 18-9.
The Jimmies extended their lead to as much as five, but Vanessa Johnson's jumper gave the Cougars their first lead after the break at the 12:38 minute mark. Her score sparked a 12-2 run by USF to make it 64-51 with 7:26 left in the game.
Over the final seven minutes, USF pulled away as they stretched their lead to 17 points, en route to an 83-66 win in their first home game of the 2011-12 season.
USF found their stroke in the second half improving to 51.5% from the field and finishing 5-10 (50%) from beyond the arc (season best).
The Cougars showed a great defensive effort as they held the Jimmies, who entered the game averaging 85.0 points per game, to just 66 points on 39.6% shooting. USF also found offense on defense, as they tallied 18 points off 14 Jimmie turnovers.
It was a team effort tonight as all five starters for the Cougars had double digit scoring efforts. Vanessa Johnson led with 18 points, six rebounds and nine assists, while Laura Johnson posted 15 points and nine rebounds.
Holli Aggen and Alyssa Rushton each finished with 11 points, as Jamey Hofer recorded 10 points and seven boards in just 18 minutes of play.
Up next, the Cougars travel to San Francisco, Calif. to take on Dominican University Friday (Dec.16) at 7p.m. and Notre Dame de Namur Saturday (Dec.17) at 5:30 p.m.
