For the complete release with full notes, statistics, etc., please view the PDF in related links

USF Women's Basketball Week Preview
After suffering their second loss of the season, the University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team looks to bounce back in it's first of three home games this week. The Cougars' first matchup comes against Dakota State University Tuesday night at 6p.m.

Follow the Cougars: Visit the "media" section of the USF women's basketball schedule for links to follow live stats, listen to the broadcast on KWSN 1230 or watch a live stream.

The Series
USF and Dakota State University's women's basketball teams have met nearly once a year since 2002 with the Trojans claiming seven of the last 11 contests. Their last meeting dates back to December 30, 2009, when DSU held on for a 70-64 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Unreachable
Through 12 games, the Cougars' stingy defense has yet to allow an opponent to shoot better than 43.6% from the field. USF's defense is holding opponents to 36% shooting from the field this season with just two opponents reaching the 40% mark.

Charity Stripe
USF shot a season low 62.5% at the line against UNO; however they only attempted eight free throws, which is also a season low. USF is shooting 77.1% at the charity stripe, where they cash in about 15 free points per game.

Last Seven Out
The Trojan's enter Tuesday's game having dropped five of their last seven games.

Travel Concerns
DSU has struggled to win on the road this season and carry a 1-9 road record into the Stewart Center Tuesday.

Mount Rushmore State
USF has only faced one institution from the state of South Dakota this season. They host three South Dakota opponents this week including Dakota State, Black Hills State and S.D. School of Mines & Technology. The Cougars are 1-0 (vs. Augustana 11/15/11) this season against in-state rivals.

Traphagen's Number
Although head coach, Travis Traphagen has guided USF to a 16-0 non-conference record at home, it seems DSU has his number, as the Cougars have won just one of three games against DSU during his four year tenure. The last time USF defeated the Trojans was November 8, 2008, when the Cougars slipped past the Trojans 75-74 at home.

Who's Back?
DSU returns just one player in junior guard Yui Onodera from their 09' win, while the Cougars will have junior guard Holli Aggen and senior forward Jamey Hofer back in their lineup. Onodera didn't play a significant role in their last meeting, however Aggen and Hofer turned out solid performances in the overtime loss. Hofer scored a game-high 18 points and eight rebounds, while Aggen finished second in scoring for the Cougars with 14 points.

Shooting Touch
She's been quiet as of late, but junior guard Alyssa Rushton is shooting the rock extremely well this season. Rushton is hitting 47.6% of her shots from the field to lead all guards for the Cougars. 

Last Opponent
DSU hosted NAIA No. 13 Jamestown College, who gave USF all they could handle for 20 minutes and actually owned a halftime lead that quickly disappeared and resulted in a 17 point victory (12/10/11) at home for the Cougars. The outcome was much different for the Trojans Saturday night, Jamestown handed DSU their 12th loss, winning in Madison 71-59.

Johnson & Johnson
Senior guard Vanessa Johnson had a phenomenal first half performance in Sunday's meeting with UNO, but was not a factor in the second half, as all 18 of her points came in the first half. Like much of the team, Laura Johnson also struggled to find offense against the Mavericks. She finished with three points, her second lowest total this season. Her lowest scoring total was at St. Cloud State, which also resulted in a USF loss.

Cracking the Top 10
Senior forward Jamey Hofer came up big in the second half of USF's game against UNO, scoring a floor high 13 points. She finished second on the team in scoring for the Cougars with 15 points and six rebounds, making her just 12 points shy of taking over the No. 10 spot on USF's all-time scoring list.

Up Next
USF hosts SD Mines & Technology Friday at 6p.m. and will end the week with a 4p.m tip-off against Black Hills State Saturday.

Coaches Show
The University of Sioux Falls' Coaches Show is broadcasted live every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30p.m. on KWSN 1230 at Rookies Bar & Grill. Tune-in for the latest news, updates and previews for Cougar Winter Athletics.