SIOUX FALLS  – Led by the duo 20-point performances from junior guards Mariah Szymanski and Kaely Hummel, the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team (7-1, 3-0 NSIC) recorded a sixth consecutive win by rallying from a double-digit deficit and recording an 80-68 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) victory over Minnesota State on Friday at the Stewart Center.

The Cougars stayed in a tie at the top of the NSIC with a third straight league win to open the season. A night after recording his 200th win, USF head coach Travis Traphagen added one to his career total as the Cougars rallied to earn the their seventh win in eight starts this season.

"I certainly thought we had some good moments on offense and defended well after a slow start," said Traphagen, whose team improved to 3-0 at home. "We have to rebound better and correct our turnover issues. Still, it was a great win because we fought back, made shots and defended."

After trailing 18-7 early, the Cougars responded with a 24-12 advantage in the second quarter and carried a lead for the rest of the game.  USF had as much as a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter at 73-58 with 5:43 to go.

Hummel, who had a team-high four assists, had 20 points for the second straight night as she made 6-of-13 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range. Hummel recorded her 46th double-digit scoring game of her career and increased her career point total to 825.

Syzmanski, who reached double-digits for the fourth time this season, reached 20 points for the first time this season. She made 7-of-14 shots from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point range while grabbing three rebounds.

For the third time this season, freshman guard Hannah Jones reached double-digits with 11 points while grabbing a team-high five rebounds, dishing two assists and recording a steal.  Anna Goodhope had nine points, three rebounds and both an assist and steal in 20 minutes on the floor.

In a game with two times and six lead changes, USF made 45 percent from the field by hitting 27-of-60 field goals. Key to the win was USF's perimeter game in which the Cougars made 11-of-21 from three-point range for 52.4 percent. MSU had a height advantage and used it to own a 45-30 rebound margin. Both teams had turnover issues with the Cougars committing 16 and MSU, 18.

The Mavericks, which fell to 1-2 in league play, had 14 points from Brooke Tonsfeldt and a double double from Rachel Shumski with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

While MSU had a 42-28 advantage of points in the paint, 21-16 edge in points off turnovers and a 19-6 margin second change points, the Cougars shooting made the difference, particularly from three-point range. USF had the 11-5 advantage in threes and outshot MSU, which made 42.6 percent on 29-of-68 shooting.

Game Breakdown
In the opening half, USF trailed MSU by 11 midway through the first quarter before rallying back and taking a nine-point halftime lead at 44-35. MSU had an 11-0 run early game to take a 14-4 lead before Hummel knocked in a three-pointer to draw USF within 14-7. The Cougars had six turnovers in the opening six minutes as they trailed 18-7 with 3:48 to play in the first quarter.

At that point, USF answered with a 13-5 run, keyed by the three-ball. First, Goodhope hit back-to-back threes with one at the 1:37 mark cutting MSU's lead to 20-15.   Then, Jones made a three with 25 seconds left in the quarter to draw USF with three (23-20).

USF opened the second quarter with five straight points and a 25-23 lead after Jones converted a three-point play.  Hummel followed with a drive and jumper in the lane for a 30-27 lead at the six minute mark. With 4:42 to play, freshman forward Kiara James made a turnaround basket inside and was fouled with her conversion providing USF with a 35-31 advantage. Later, Hummel hit a three (1:24, 2nd Q) for a 40-33 lead. As the half was closing, USF received a late basket from Szymanski with six seconds left for a 44-35 advantage.

With 6:17 left in the third quarter, Hummel hit another three and Jones had a steal and fast break lay-up to increase USF's lead to 10 points. Then, junior Jessie Geer had a pair of foul shots as the Cougars led, 53-41, at the 5:19 mark. James hit a basket inside for a 55-44 lead but MSU answered with a three to cut the lead to eight. Szymanski had a drive and score with a minute to go for a 59-47 advantage.

In the fourth quarter, Syzmanski knocked down a three at the 7:20 mark as USF pushed the lead to 67-54. MSU scored four straight points to cut the deficit to 67-58 with 6:28 on the clock. But Szymanski again answered with a three as USF regained a 12-point lead at 70-58.

On the next possession, Goodhope converted her third three of the game for a 73-58 lead and only 5:20 was left on the clock. While MSU tried to rally, USF had the answer on offense. With 1:54 to play, Hummel hit Jones who converted a three-pointer as the Cougars took a 76-62 lead and held off the Mavericks for a 12-point victory.

USF will hit the road next week as they face Minnesota Duluth on Dec. 14 and St. Cloud State on Dec. 15 in NSIC action.