It was not always pretty Friday night, but stingy defense and solid shooting from behind the arc helped the University of Sioux Falls to a 63-48 win over South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, S.D. The Cougars move to 18-3 this season, while the Hardrockers drop to 14-9.

The two teams demonstrated their aggressive defense in the first half, as neither team shot above 34% from the field.

USF held the Hardrockers to just five first half field goals, but 10 fouls by the Cougars contributed to 12 easy points at the line for SDSM&T where they shot 86% per clip to remain in the game.

The Cougars stayed true to their deep shooting ways, as four different players recorded one of USF's six 3-point field goals before the break. The Hardrockers did not convert a 3-pointer in the first half; however they headed to the locker room trailing the Cougars, 28-22.  

The game continued to stay competitive following intermission, but USF warmed up a little, while maintaining their defense, connecting on 41% of their second half attempts and limiting the Hardrockers to 29% shooting to pull away pick up a third consecutive win.

USF also closed the gap at the line netting nine of 10 free throws after the break.

Outside USF's presence behind the arc the two teams were nearly even in a few major statistical categories. The Cougars forced 16 turnovers and turned it over 14 times themselves. USF and SDSM&T finished even in blocks with three and in rebounds at 36.

Coming off of a 35 point performance against Johnston and Wales, Justine blade was held to 19 points for the Hardrockers. She gained most of it at the line, where she was 9-11 to lead the team in scoring.

The senior duo of Jamey Hofer and Vanessa Johnson were the only USF players in double-digits as the two accounted for 48% of the teams points. Hofer had a big second half, picking up 11 points in 17 minutes of play. She finished with 15 points on the night. Johnson matched her classmate with 15 points, but did more damage from behind the arc. She recorded three trey-balls and went 2-2 at the charity stripe.

USF's top rebounding performances came from their back court, as both Vanessa Johnson and Holli Aggen hauled in seven boards to lead the team.

The Cougars return to the court tomorrow when they visit Spearfish, S.D. for a 5p.m. showdown with Black Hills State University.