Tale of Two Halves in Cougars 88-71 Victory

It was the tale of two halves for the USF women's basketball team on Tuesday night as they came away with an 88-71 victory over Nebraska-Kearney at the Stewart Center. The Cougars shot 33.3% from the field in the first half while also shooting only 9.1% from behind the arc. The second half was a different story as USF shot 57.7% on field goals and 57.1% on three-point shots.

In the beginning it was all about the Cougars newcomers inside as Sam Knecht and Shelby Hemmann combined for 17 of the Cougars 33 first half points. However, the inside presence failed to be enough as the Lopers outrebounded the Cougars 30-17 in the first half and took a 42-33 lead into the locker room

USF came out on a mission after the break as they opened up the half with a 20-4 run which was capped off by a Sam Knecht jump shot. Knecht dropped a career-high 16 points for the Cougars, but was unable to finish the game as she fouled out with six minutes left.

Just when the Cougars seemed to take control of the game, the Lopers answered with a 13-2 run of their own to cut USF's lead down to three-points. However, three timely Bailey Bouman three-point shots gave the Cougars an insurmountable lead.

Six Laura Johnson points in the final two minutes of the game sealed the Lopers fate as the Cougars finished with an 88-71 victory. Johnson finished the game with a double-double as she led both teams in scoring and rebounding with 26 points and 10 rebounds.

Shelby Hemmann also had a career day for USF as she dropped 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
The Lopers were led by Sydney Seberger who scored 16 points.

USF will compete next on Saturday, November 30 as they open up conference play at home against Southwest Minnesota State. The Cougars and Mustangs are set to face off at 4 p.m. at the Stewart Center.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Bailey Bouman: F; 5' 9"; Senior

#31 Shelby Hemmann: F; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#32 Laura Johnson: F; 6' 0"; Senior

#50 Sam Knecht: F; 6' 2"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#22 Bailey Bouman
: 5' 9"; Senior
: F

#31 Shelby Hemmann
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: F

#32 Laura Johnson
: 6' 0"; Senior
: F

#50 Sam Knecht
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: F