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USF Women's Basketball Weekend Preview
The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team, 9-1, seek win No.10 this Saturday (Jan.7) when they host Valley City State University for the two teams second and final meeting this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 2p.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 by KWSN or watch a live stream.
The Series
Since 2003, USF holds a 6-3 advantage over VCSU and has won the last four contests, where they have outscored the Vikings by 72 points, making for a average scoring margin of +18 per game. Last month, the Cougars routed VCSU 68-48 in Valley City to pick up their sixth win of the year (box score on page 4).
Deep Ball
The deep ball has been one of USF most effective offensive weapons this season, and it was especially effective in the Cougars most recent win at Notre Dame de Namur, where five different players put 3-points on the board to combine for 11 3-pointers in the game.
Lengthy Layover
USF has not played since they matched up with NDNU three weeks ago. However, during Coach Traphagen's tenure, the Cougars have played extremely well following the holiday break, as USF is 3-0 in first games following the New Year, with one of those games being an 82-68 win over VCSU (1/2/10).
Cracking the Top 10
Senior Forward Jamey Hofer, who averages 9.8 points per game this season, continues to add to her legacy at USF. She enters the weekend's games with 1166 career points, which is just 32 points shy of cracking USF's top 10 career scoring list.
Johnson & Johnson
Senior guard Vanessa Johnson (13.9 PPG) and sophomore forward Laura Johnson (10.5) sit 1-2 on the team in scoring and rank first or second in nearly every major statistical category. Laura Johnson (5.9 RPG) leads the team in rebounds, while Vanessa Johnson (31) is first in assists. Johnson & Johnson play a large role in USF's success and remain undefeated when both are at the top of their game. The Cougars are 4-0 when V. Johnson leads the team in scoring and 5-0 when L. Johnson is the team's top rebounder.
Crashing the Boards
The Cougars have won the battle on the boards in six of their last eight games and the VCSU game last month was no different. USF finished the game +19 (43-24) on the glass, which was their largest rebounding margin this season.
Who's Hot
Junior guard Holli Aggen is coming off a career night against NDNU, who she lit up for 21 points on 4-8 shooting from beyond the arc, while knocking down five of six attempts at the line. She also finished the game second on the team in rebounds and assists, tallying five boards and three helpers.
Road Warriors
The Cougars have played in just one home game this season. Their last home game was Dec.10, when they defeated Jamestown College 83-66.
Rushton Effect
Alyssa Rushton continues to be one of USF's most consistent players and her numbers show it. Averaging just under 10 points per game (9.9 PPG), she's hitting an impressive 52.3% from the field and 41.9% beyond the arc.
U-Turn
After falling 68-48 to the Cougars at home, VCSU has turned things around winning six of their last seven outings to sit at 11-8.
Team Effort
Last time USF and VCSU met, the Cougars saw three starters score in double-digits and two players come close with nine points in the win. USF is 8-0 this season when two or more players score in double-digits.
Up Next
The Cougars take eight days off before hosting NCAA Division I, University of Nebraska-Omaha Sunday Jan.15. Tip-off is set for 2p.m.
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.
