SIOUX FALLS – Despite a double double of 22 points and 12 rebounds from Sam Knecht, the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team (18-6, 14-6 NSIC) dropped a 67-57 decision to Wayne State on Senior Day at the Stewart Center.

Prior to the game, USF recognized its seniors including Knecht, Madi Robson, Brooke Smith and Alyson Johnsen.   With the loss USF dropped to 14-6 in the jumbled NSIC South, one game behind division leader Winona State.

Knecht, who recorded her 23^rd career double double and 10^th this season, made 10-of-16 field goals while adding five blocks and two assists. Knecht now has 60 games in double digits with 12 games with at least 20 points. In addition, she moved past 1,200 points for her career at 1,227, which moved her into 11^th on USF's all-time list. She is 43 points behind Kathy Wait, who had 1,270.

However, she was the only player in double digits, although Johnsen had nine points and three steals. Madi Robson had seven points, three rebounds and a career-best 13 assists.

The Wildcats trailed early but took a 14-11 first quarter lead and held a 28-25 advantage at halftime. In the third quarter, they outscored USF, 18-13 and also had a 21-19 edge in the fourth quarter for a 67-57 win and a sweep of the regular season series.

Overall, the Cougars hit just 38.7 percent from the floor on 24-of-62 shooting. USF was 5-of-16 from three point range and 4-of-11 from the foul line. WSC, which won the rebound battle, 31-30, held the edge in field goal shooting at 53.3 percent (24-of-45) and a huge margin in free throws, 17-to-4. The Wildcats were led in scoring by Anna Martensen, who had 18 while Maggie Schulte added 16 along with eight rebounds.

Out of the gate, USF made its first three shots (Knecht, Jacey Huinker and Johnsen) for a 6-2 lead with 8:31 to play. The Wildcats answered with a 12-0 run for a 14-6 advantage (2:22). But USF scored five straight, including three from Johnsen, to draw within 14-11 at the end of the first quarter. USF scored  eight straight points to open the second quarter and extend its run to 11-0 and a 19-14 lead at the 7:12 mark.  However, the Wildcats closed on a 14-6 run to retake the lead at 28-25 at halftime.

In the opening two quarters, the Cougars were led by Knecht with nine points and Johnsen with eight. The Cougars were 11-of-31 from the field for 35.5 percent, including 2-of-7 from three point range. USF was just 1-of-2 from the foul line while WSC had six charity tosses (6-of-9). They were 11-of-21 for 52.4 percent. Overall, the Cougars had a 15-14 advantage in rebounds and registered three blocks, including two from Knecht.

The Wildcats took control of the game in the third quarter, opening with a 10-3 run to lead 38-28 at the 6:18 mark following two foul shots by Taylor Reiner. After Knecht scored two inside baskets and Robson dropped in a free throw, the Cougars had drawn within 38-33 with 4:51 to go in the quarter. A three pointer from Brooke Smith, who had seven in the game, pulled the Cougars within, 40-36 with 4:05 left. It would be as close as the Cougars would get the rest of the night. A lay-up from Martensen and foul shot by Schulte gave the Wildcats a 46-38 advantage at the third quarter break.

Early in the fourth quarter, WSC opened up a 53-40 lead after a pair of free throws from Martensen. With 7:05 to play, Knecht pulled USF within 53-42 (6:55) but each time USF tried to rally, the Wildcats had the answer. A lay-up from Martensen with 3:17 pushed the advantage to 61-46 and the issue was decided.
   
Next for USF will be a pair of road games on Feb. 17 and 18 at Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul.