In the first of two consecutive home games vs. Minot State University, the University of Sioux Falls displayed a rare double-digit (13) 3-point performance, finishing the game 46% from the arc to pull away from the Beavers for a 70-51 win Friday night at the Stewart Center. The win marks the Cougars 10^th straight at home and brings them one win away from another perfect home slate. USF is now 15-8, while Minot dropped to 3-20.

USF connected on their first five shots, which included three consecutive 3-pointers from Bretson McNeal to claim a quick 14-7 lead and give fan a preview of what was come.

However the Beavers were not discourage and a empathetic Chris East dunk followed by a Josh Johnson had Minot back within one with 12:31 left in the first half.

The Cougars answered, recording a 17-1 over the next six minutes, tallying three additional 3-pointers in the process to go take their largest lead before the break at 31-14. Minot closed the half strong and Matt Yale's 3-pointer made cut the Beaver's deficit to 10, as they headed to the locker room down 37-27.

McNeal was the star of the first half, where he scored all 14 of his points on the night, which featured four 3-pointers before the break. USF also saw a great deal of team work in the first half, recording 11 assist on 14 field goals.

Minot hit a big three right out of the break to pull within seven, but that is as close as the Beavers would come.

The Cougars stretch their lead to 14 a hand full of times in the first 10 minutes of the second half before taking their largest lead at 27 following back-to-back 3-pointers near the 3:00 mark, as USF would record a 71-50 win at home.

A majority of USF's second half success came in from their bench, who outscored Minot's 22-13 in the period and 27-23 in the game.

USF also outshot Minot in the second half, where they shot a blister 52%, while holding the Beavers to just 29% from the field.

The Cougars dominated the glass for the 17^th time this season, outrebounding Minot, 38-21, 15 of which on the offensive glass.

Johnson and East lead the way for Minot. Johnson's double-double featured a 4-13 effort from the field and 4-4 outing at the line 14 points and 10 rebounds. East added 13 points on 4-6 shooting, while recording four rebounds.

Keith Cutler contributed a great deal to USF's bench total, scoring a game-high 16 points on 4-7 shooting from behind the arc. He finished 6-10 from the floor and tallied five rebounds. McNeal and Skyler Bloch were the only other Cougars in double-figures. McNeal posted all 14 of his total in the first half. Bloch inched a little closer to the 1,000 point mark with 10 points on the night.