The University of Sioux Falls used an explosive first half to top Augustana College 70-58 Friday night and snap a 11-game series losing streak in the first-ever matchup between the two schools at the Stewart Center.
Following a 14-point first half, the Cougars held off a late Viking's push with clutch free throw shooting at the line, where they converted 21-of-25 attempts in the final period.
The most compelling stat of the game is that USF's last field goal came
at the 12:46 mark of the second half. Their final 18 points came at the
stripe, where they went 18-of-22 to end the game.
The last time USF had defeated Augustana was during the 1994-95 season. With the win, USF has won three-straight and improved to 11-12, 7-12 in NSIC play.
USF came out excited and jumped all over Augustana early. Mid-way through the first half, the Cougars turned up their defensive pressure and began to create offense with defense. They forced eight turnovers to close the half on a 19-9 run and take a 37-23 lead into the break.
It wasn't just strong defense for USF in the first half, they also couldn't miss. The Cougars fired at a 56 percent clip from the field and netted seven 3-pointers on 11 attempts in the first half. They also stole 12 points off Viking turnovers.
USF made six of their first 10 shots in the second half and appeared to pulling away when Derek Brown made it a 20-point margin, 52-32, with 12:46 to play. However, the Vikings weren't ready to roll over.
Behind a couple of Tanner Odegaard 3-pointers, Augustana trailed just 52-40 with 10:01 to go. The Vikings continued to chip away at USF's lead and McCafferey's three at the 1:52 mark made the score 59-54.
That is as close as Augustana would come, as they were forced to foul and USF sealed it at the line.
USF's bench was also a major factor. The Cougars' reserves outscored Augustana's, 34-16.
James Rader led the way for USF, pouring in 19 points, on 8-of-12 shooting, and six rebounds. His total matched Cameron McCafferey for a game-high. Robert Goffney also had a solid night, especially at the charity stripe. He went 7-of-8 at the line and finished with 12 points.
David Maxwell was the third Cougar in double-digits. He was a perfect 9-of-9 at the stripe and tallied 11 points on the night. A.J. Holland added nine points and a game-high seven boards.
USF hosts Wayne State College in their final home game of the season tomorrow. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
