SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - University of Sioux Falls placed three players in double figures and held Winona State to 27 percent shooting in a 76-54 win on Saturday night at the Stewart Center. The win enabled the Cougars to rebound from a pair of losses to open conference play. USF is now 3-5 overall with a 1-2 mark in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
While the Cougar defense stifled the WSU attack, USF's offense shook off 16 turnovers and shot 57.1 percent (24-42) from the field, including 9-of-17 from three. Freddie Young was the catalyst much of the night, reaching a career-high 21 points while hitting 4-of-5 from three-point range. Young had double digit points for the third time in four games. For the third time this season, Charles Ward secured a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Ward reached double digit in points for the 15th straight game and 25th itime n his career.
The Cougars built a double-digit advantage less than seven minutes into the game with Young scoring eight of USF's 16 points. Each team traded baskets as the first half came to close with Jordan Stotts' tip-in with 30 seconds remaining in the period providing a 28-27 advantage at the half.
In the second half, the Cougars came out hot, and Winona State couldn't make a dent after USF built a seven-point lead at the 15-minute mark. Young hit another three and Mack Johnson connected on a triple as well, giving him three of his 19 points and USF a 47-37 lead. Johnson has four straight games with double figure points and six overall this season.
Later, Charles Ward and Johnson both knocked down threes for a 19-point lead at 65-46.
The Warriors began to pack it in and USF capitalized, pushing their lead to a game-high 25 points on Ward's jumper and free throw. In the final minute, WSU scored three points, cutting into USF's final margin.
Isaiah Gray needed 11 shots to score a Winona State-high 12 points, most of which came in the second half when the Warriors went 7-of-31 from the field for 22.6 percent.
Sioux Falls returns to action on the road next weekend when they traveo to Minot State and University of Mary on Dec. 12 and 13.
