SIOUX FALLS – Northern State (15-6, 11-4, NSIC) hit 10 second half three-pointers and handed the University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Team (13-10, 9-6 NSIC) another heart-breaking defeat, 86-84 before 914 in attendance at the Stewart Center.
NSU, which trailed 35-20 at halftime, shot 68.8 percent in the second half (22-of-32), including 10-of-14 from three point range, to rally for the victory. Mack Arvidson, who had 15 points, hit a three-pointer with 1.8 seconds left to lift the Wolves to the win. Just a few seconds earlier (11 seconds on the clock), senior guard
Mack Johnson, who led USF with 18 points, scored on a driving lay-up to provide the Cougars with an 84-83 advantage.
For USF, the two-point setback was the third time this season at home that they dropped a decision by two points or fewer (Minnesota State, 68-67, Jan. 20; Southwest Minnesota State, 87-86, Dec. 17). It was the seventh loss this season by two or less points.
In the hard luck loss, the Cougars had a respectable shooting night, with the exception from three-point range. USF was 32-of-67 from the field (28-of-53 inside three point range) for 47.8 percent. However, USF made just 4-of-14 from three-point range. USF had solid work at the foul stripe, making 16-of-18 and committed just nine turnovers, below their season average. While USF had a 40-30 edge in points in the paint, the difference from three point range was a big difference. NSU had 11 threes to just four for USF.
Johnson, who moved past 1,500 points (1,506) in his career, made 7-of-13 field goals and 4-of-5 free throws for his 18 points. He recorded his 73
rd game with double digit points and also had a pair of assists and a steal.
Junior guard
Zach Wessels tied Johnson for the team-high with 18 points, hitting 8-of-9 shots and 2-of-3 free throws. Wessels, who has made 16-of-18 field goals over his past two games, dished out eight dimes. It is the third time in five games, he has had at least eight assists in a game.
Sophomore forward
Drew Guebert chipped in with 17 points, including 7-of-7 from the free throw line. He had five rebounds and a block in 39 minutes of action. Also reaching double digits for USF was senior forward
Daniel Hurtt with 16.
NSU was led by 23 points from guard Ian Smith with 18 from D.J. Pollard. The Wolves' Logan Doyle contributed a double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
USF controlled action in the first half, rushing to an 11-4 lead after a three-point play from M. Johnson with 15:12 to play. After NSU tied the game at 15-15, USF took off on a 20-4 run to grab a 35-19 advantage with 49 seconds to play in the opening 20 minutes. Then, Arvidson knocked down a three-pointer just before the buzzer to cut the deficit to 12 (35-22).
At halftime, the Cougars defense was causing NSU issues as USF limited the Wolves to just 31.8 percent from the floor, including only 2-of-8 from the three point line. USF, which held n 18-15 edge on the boards, shot 50 percent on 15-of-30 shooting, despite only 1-of-6 from three point range. Key to the gaining the first half advantage was USF forcing NSU into 10 turnovers while just recording seven themselves. Johnson led USF with 12 points, hitting all five of his field goals.
In the second half, the Cougars built a 49-31 lead at the 15:12 mark but that was before NSU, which averages 88 points per game, turned around its shooting. After making just 31.6 percent in the first half, NSU found the range. They went on a 32-14 run to draw even at 63-63 after Arvidson made a pair of free throws with 6:43 to play. Then the team's offenses went into high gear. Over the final 6:43, the teams combined for 44 points.
After Arvidson tied the game. Hurtt converted a three-point play at the other end (6:23) to help USF rebuild the advantage to 66-63. The Cougars built a 78-73 advantage with 2:14 to play when Guebert canned a three-pointer and had "and 1" after being fouled by Ian Smith, who fouled out on the play. With 1:09 to play, NSU freshman Gabe King hit a three-pointer to tie the game.
After M. Johnson made a pair of three throws, Arvidson hit a three pointer with 25 seconds to play as NSU led 83.82. It set the stage for the final theatrics which included a Johnson driving score and Arvidson's game winner. As a result of the Arvidson game-winner, NSU won for a seventh straight time against USF in NSIC play.
Next up for USF will be #21 Minnesota State Moorhead, which lost an overtime game at Southwest Minnesota State. Game-time is set for 6 p.m. at the Stewart Center.
