The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team saw five players post double-digits in arguably the Cougars' most balanced and efficient offensive performance this season. The Cougars finished with 36 points from outside the arc, while scoring 36 points in the paint enroute to a 94-60 blowout win over South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Friday night in Sioux Falls, S.D. USF moves to 11-2 and SDSM&T drops to 8-8.
USF got off to a great start, hitting eight of their first nine attempts, including three 3-pointers to hold an early 23-13 lead with 13:00 to play.
However, the Cougars went cold, and SDSM&T capitalized on their drought with a 10-3 run to cut their deficit to three points (26-23), as USF missed eight consecutive shots.
Sparked by consecutive 3-pointers by Alyssa Rushton and Holli Aggen, USF went off for a 13-2 scoring run to recapture control of the game and take a 39-25 lead. The Cougars kept at it and would go up by as many as 16 points, but head to the break with a 45-32 advantage.
The 13 point halftime lead was no surprise, as the Cougars finished the half 48.5% from the field and 50% (7-14) from downtown, while holding the Hardrockers to 44.4% from the floor and three 3-pointers.
USF moved the ball extremely well in the first half, recording an assist on 10 of 16 field goals, most of which came in the paint, where the Cougars outscored SDSM&T, 18-8.
As they done all year, USF came out of the break and put their foot on the gas. Vanessa Johnson's back to back 3-pointers near the 16 minute mark stretched the Cougars lead to 24.
SDSM&T tried to stick around, but each time they made their move, USF seemed to answer. A Justine Blade 3-pointer pulled the Hardrockers to within 19, but that is as close as they would come to the Cougars.
USF would outscore the SDSM&T 26-16 over the final 11 minutes of the game to record an impressive 94-60 win at home.
The Cougars continued their efficient shooting in the second half to finish the game 48% from the field, while limiting the Hardrockers to 34% shooting from the floor. SDSM&T is the 14th opponent USF has held under 40% shooting this season.
USF held a 36-12 advantage in the paint. However, SDSM&T won the battle at the line, where they finished 14-19(74%), while the Cougars went just 18-29 (62%).
Elizabeth Hildreth led the Cougars with 17 points on 6-7 shooting from the floor and a 5-8 outing at the line. She now sits three points shy of 1,000 points. Hildreth also added five rebounds.
Jamey Hofer, Holli Aggen, Vanessa Johnson and Alyssa Rushton each scored in double-digits. Hofer posted a double-double, the Cougars' first this season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Johnson and Rushton chipped in 13 points apiece. Aggen played true to her position, scoring 10 points, while dishing out seven assists.
The Cougars return to South Dakota action Saturday when they host Black Hills State University at 4p.m.
