GOLDEN, Colo. – Opening a weekend of tough nonconference games, University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball fell to Metro State, 73-54, in the first of two games at the Tony Corbetta Classic. Kaely Hummel led USF with 12 points while Jacey Huinker scored six points and grabbed nine rebounds in just 19 minutes of action.
 
USF struggled shooting the ball, finishing with a 25.4 field goal percentage (15-59). To start the game, the Cougars traded blows with the Roadrunners before MSU Denver pulled away in the second half. Behind Hummel's seven first-quarter points and a five-point, seven-rebound first quarter from Huinker, the Cougars held an 18-17 lead through the first 10 minutes of play.
 
Metro State took the lead in the second quarter with a 3-pointer before Augusta Thramer hit one the Cougars' first 3-pointer of the game. Andi Mataloni, who finished with seven points, sank two free throws to tie the game at 24-24 with just over three minutes in the first half. MSU Denver scored four unanswered points to close the half and take a 28-24 lead into the break.
 
Lauren Sanders, who was coming off a collegiate debut with seven 3-pointers, connected on a three to open the third quarter and draw USF within one point of MSUD. Following Sanders's three, the Roadrunners went on an 8-2 run, as Jasmine Harris scored on a layup to break up the MSUD run.
 
USF clawed back after MSU Denver made brieach of their third-quarter runs. The Cougars cut their deficit to four points on Kennedy Dighton and Thramer layups, then Hummel brought USF within three points with four minutes to play in the third quarter, converting her third and-one of the evening. MSU Denver then made one final push to distance themselves from USF in the third quarter and they took a 53-43 lead into the fourth.
 
USF's shooting woes continued, especially from distance – the Cougars were 3-26 on threes in the game – and Metro State took advantage. The Roadrunners pushed their lead to 22 points before Andi Mataloni hit a 3-pointer and brought the deficit back to the teens. Mari Smitsdorff and Taylor Volesky both went 2-for-2 at the free throw line, answering MSUD's scores and bringing the final score to 73-54.
 
The Cougars wrap up their trip to Golden, Colo. with a 5 p.m. (MST) game against Tony Corbetta Classic host Colorado School of Mines on Saturday, Nov. 18.