The
men's game between the University of Sioux Falls and Minot State University
mirrored the women's game. It came right down to the end, as the Cougars were
able to find offense in Skyler Bloch and convert their free throws to pick up
their eighth consecutive win. USF is now 11-7 and MSU drops to 3-16.
The
Cougars controlled the game much of the first half and in all but one possession
held a lead. USF recorded their largest lead at six for the third time
following an A.J. Holland jumper near the 11:00 mark.
Led
by Chris East, who had a game high 17 points in the first half, MSU heated up and
went on a 12-1 run to go ahead 23-18 with 6:28 to play in the period.
USF
scored the final four points of the half to make it MSU, 35-34 at the break.
The Cougars entered the game 0-5 when trailing on the road at halftime this
season.
Holland
and Bloch combined for much of USF's offense in the first half, where they
accounted for 21 of their 34 points.
USF
stuck around and Bloch's jumper with 16:28 to play gave the Cougars a 44-43
lead, their first of the second period.
Yonas
Behre's jumper on the ensuing possession helped the Beavers reclaim a one point
lead, but it was their final of the game.
From
the 10:00 mark through six minutes to play, the game was at a standstill as USF
held MSU scoreless, but only converted one field goal. However, Thomas Korf's 3-pointer
ended the drought and pulled the Beavers back within one with just over six to
go in regulation.
USF
left Korf open and he struck again, this time his deep three from the left wing
tied the game at 55-55 with 3:10 to play.
As
the game was coming to an end, the Cougars looked to their senior forward Bloch
and he answered as he had all year, scoring five of USF's next seven points.
Bloch
recorded his sixth 20+ point game of the season tonight with four straight and
came up with a huge offensive rebound which he was fouled on with 52.7 ticks to
go. He split the pair to make it a two possession game at 64-60.
Cutler,
Holland and Maxwell followed suit and six consecutive free throws secured USF's
eighth win in a row.
USF
claimed another victory on the glass, outrebounding MSU 34-27. The Cougars have
outrebounded each of their last 12 opponents.
Both
teams shot about average. USF connected 47% of their field goal attempts, while
MSU converted 42% of their tries. The difference was at the line, where the Cougars
have been solid all year. Tonight they finished 22-27 (82%), as the Beavers went
12-21 (57%).
The
Cougars also held a sizeable 14-6 advantage in assist but, turnovers were an
issue. MSU tallied 14 points on 14 USF turnovers.
Led
by Bloch, USF saw three produce double-digit scoring tonight. On 9-14 shooting
from the field and a solid 5-7 effort at the free throw line, Bloch was one
rebound shy of another double-double with 23 points and nine boards.
After
a strong first half, Holland finished perfect at the line (4-4) for a new
career high 14 points. He also added five rebounds and four assists. David Maxwell
chipped in 10 points to record his fourth double-digit performance this season.
He finished 5-6 at the line and pulled down six rebounds.
If
anything like tonight, tomorrow's rematch should be a good one. USF and Minot
resume action in the Dome at 6p.m.