The University of Sioux Falls men's basketball team shot 55% from the field against Valley City State University Saturday afternoon in Valley City, N.D. to pull off a 67-62 win. Tonight's game marks the Cougars second win of the 2011 season. It also snaps a six game losing streak.
USF got off to a strong start making three of their first five shots, while opening 5-6 at the free throw line to hold an 11-6 lead early in the first half.
James Rader, who has led USF in scoring the last two games, posted seven of the Cougars 28 first half points and helped them secure a 28-20 lead at the break.
The eight point lead was USF's first halftime lead since their win over Nebraska Wesleyan in game No. 1.
After making five of their first six attempts, the Cougars finished 8-13 from the free throw line, but outrebound and outshot the Vikings from the field in the first half. USF shot 53% from the field, while limiting VCSU to just 33%.
USF's hot shooting only got better in the second half, where they shot a season high 57% from the field and went 15-19 from the free throw line for 78.9% per clip.
The Cougars finished 23-32 from the line. Both free throws made and attempts were season highs.
USF also carried their commitment to winning on the boards into the second half. They outrebounded the Vikings 33-20 in the game.
Following a quiet first half, senior center Skyler Bloch finished 8-10 from the floor to lead USF with 21 points and six rebounds. He also went 5-5 from the charity stripe.
David Maxwell nearly recorded the second double-double of the season, as he tallied nine points and eight rebounds. Maxwell shot 3-6 from the field and 2-3 at the line.
The Cougars return home Saturday (Dec.10) when they host Crown College at the Stewart Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7p.m.
