The University of Sioux Falls men's basketball team cruised to a convincing 82-59 win over Minot State University Friday night at the Stewart Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. Reminiscent of seven days earlier, when USF picked up a lopsided victory with red hot shooting at Minnesota, Crookston, the Cougars established a 23 point first half lead tonight and never looked back.
In total, 11 different USF players scored, with seven Cougars recording at least one of the team's impressive 12 makes from beyond the arc.
With the win, USF moves to 9-12 on the season and 8-4 at home, while Minot drops to 8-13, 7-10 in NSIC play.
Those not in attendance may have a hard time believing the game's early happenings. Following Dominique McDonald's three, the Beavers held a 17-10 lead at the 14:01 mark of the first half. Coach Johnson called a timeout and the Cougars quickly turned things around.
USF responded by closing the period on a 38-8 run to take a 48-25 advantage into the break. Their point total and scoring margin were both season-best.
Similar to the Crookston game, USF utilized aggressive defensive, momentum and hot hands from deep to secure a sizable halftime lead. The Cougars scored 12 points off turnovers, including two steals that led to Jerry Dixon highlight dunks and shot 67%, finishing 8-of-15 from deep in the first half.
The game wouldn't get any better for the visiting team in the second half. Over a seven minute stretch (18:12-10:57), USF went 10-of-12 from the floor, including six-consecutive baskets, to take largest lead of the game, 37 points (72-35).
Minot State actually erased 14 points off their deficit to make it just a 23 point Cougar victory, but it was not nearly as close as the final score Friday night.
USF shot a season-high 52.5 percent from the floor, while holding the Beavers to 36.8 percent shooting. The Cougars also recorded their third-consecutive game with single-digit turnovers (8) and a positive margin on the glass.
The Cougar bench also had another big game, contributing 39 points in comparison to 18 by MSU's reserves. It was the four-straight contest USF's bench has outplayed its opponent.
Robert Goffney came two points shy of his career-high with 19 points to lead all scorers. He shot 8-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from three point range, while delivering a game-high six assists. Goffney's assist total was also a career-best. James Rader was the only other Cougar in double figures. He recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds for USF's first double-double of the season.
USF returns to the court tomorrow, when they host the University of Mary at 6 p.m.
