SIOUX FALLS -- Freshman guard Megan Fannin had 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead a balanced attack as the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team (2-2) earned a second straight home nonconference victory with a 74-56 decision over Black Hills State (2-2) on Saturday at the Stewart Center.

Fannin was among four players to reach double-digits in the win over BHSU in the second meeting of the schools in the NCAA DII era. Fannin hit 6-of-9 field goals, including 3-of-4 from three-point range and all three free throws to lead USF in scoring. Fannin, who is averaging 16.5 ppg, registered her fourth career double-digit scoring game – third straight this year. 

Senior forward Krystal Carlson added 15 points and tied Fannin for a team-high with eight rebounds while recording two assists in 28 minutes on the floor. She now has three double-digit scoring games this season and 16 in her career.

Also for USF, junior guard Dallie Hoskinson added 14 points, five assists and three rebounds with a team-best four steals. USF also had 10 points from sophomore guard Sydney White, who was 4-of-8 from the floor and hit a triple. Other contributors including freshmen Brecli Honner with four points and seven rebounds while Olivia Gamoke supplied five points, five assists and two rebounds.   

"I was pleased with our overall effort. Early on we didn't convert some quality looks. But give Black Hills State credit as they are a well-coached team and always defends you really hard. All in all, it was a good effort and we are a young team growing by each game," said Travis Traphagen, USF's career wins' leader at 253 in 14 seasons at the school.  "We will continue to learn and adjust as we play through some mistakes," added Traphagen, whose team will host Southwest Minnesota State on Tuesday at 5:30 pm at the Stewart Center to open the NSIC season.

"I will just say that any time you can beat a quality DII team at home and see the growth that we have shown since week one until now, you have to be satisfied. Now we have to get ready to play a tough opener in the NSIC," added Traphagen, who now is 134-43 at home.

In a game with nine ties, and six lead changes, USF and BHSU played to an 11-11 tie in the first quarter before USF had a late surge in the second quarter to take a 30-25 lead to halftime. USF created separation in the third quarter with a 31-22 margin lead to a 61-47 advantage. Then, USF outscored BHSU, 13-9, in the final quarter to take the 18-point victory.

Overall, USF shot 49.0 percent from the floor on 25-of-51 shooting and was 15-of-25 in the second half for 60 percent. The Cougars also had a 36-24 advantage on the boards and dished 15 assists. While 19 turnovers hurt, USF also had five steals and held a 22-20 edge in points in the bench with a 17-16 margin in points off turnovers. BHSU, which was led by 11 points from Danica Kocer, was held to 35.2 percent from the field (19-of-54) as USF applied pressure out front and in the lane. 

Scoring Summary –
USF was tied with BHSU at 11-11 after the 1st quarter. Fannin had five to lead USF, which hit 5-of-14 field goals for 35.7 percent and 1-of-5 from three-point range. BHSU, which made 4-of-11 from the field for 36.4 percent, was led by Danica Kocer with six points.  Early on, Fannin had a jumper and hit a three for a 7-5 lead.  Neither team gained much separation and finished tied through 10 minutes.

In the second quarter, USF outscored BHSU, 19-14, to take a 30-25 halftime lead. The Cougars were led by Carlson, who had 10 points and three rebounds at the break. In the second quarter, USF improved its shooting numbers with 5-of-12 conversions for 41.7 percent and USF hit all eight of its free throws. Both teams had 10 points in the paint by the break and 11 points on the bench.  
Kiara James, who scored six points, knocked down two free throws as USF took a 15-11 lead at the 7:56 mark. Later, BHSU rallied to take the lead at 19-17 but White, who had five points off the bench, hit a three for a 23-21 lead at the 2:39 mark. Then, Carlson scored five points in the final 1:02 to give USF its biggest lead of the game.

In the third quarter, the Cougars caught fire as they made 10-of-14 field goals for 71.4 percent, including knocking down 3-of-4 three-point field goals and all eight of its free throws to push the lead to 61-47.  

Honner converted a jumper from the foul line and Fannin knocked home a three off the break as USF jumped to a 35-25 lead with 8:54 to play.  After a steal by Hoskinson, Fannin converted a three-point play for a 38-25 lead. After a three from BHSU, Hoskinson hit a jumper and then made a pair of foul shots as USF took a 42-28 lead with 7:19 on the clock.  Later, White hit a driving lay-up and with the "and one" USF had a 45-28 advantage.  After BHSU closed to within 49-39, Gamoke hit a three from the top of the key which was followed by a triple from Fannin as USF led 55-39 with 2:32 to play in the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, USF continued to hold a double-digit advantage as a jumper by Carlson helped USF to a 63-47 lead (8:39). After BHSU cut the lead to 11 (63-52), Hoskinson converted a fast-break lay-up and Gamoke scored inside for a 67-52 lead. Two foul shots from Fannin pushed the lead to 70-53 at the 2:13 mark and the game was in hand.