SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team (13-6, 8-4 NSIC) faces a pair of road tests as the Cougars travel to play NSIC North co-leaders St. Cloud State (14-3, 12-2 NSIC) on Friday, Jan. 28 and the University of Minnesota Duluth (14-4, 12-2 NSIC) on Saturday, Jan. 29. The Cougars and Huskies will tip off at 5:30 pm on Friday in St. Cloud, Minn. On Saturday, the Cougars and Bulldogs will matchup at 3:30 pm in Duluth, Minn. 

Game Protocols 
Due to the COVID pandemic, fans attending the game in St. Cloud on Friday will be asked to wear masks. On Saturday in Duluth, Minn., fans aged five or older will need to provide proof of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken under medical supervision within 72 hours of entrance to Romano Gymnasium. COVID booster shots are not required. In addition, fans will need to wear masks inside the arena.

The Cougars, which have won 4-of-5 games, have a 8-4 record in league play, which places them in second place in the NSIC South. USF will face St. Cloud State for the 11th time, with the Cougars owning a 7-4 record. The last time the Cougars and Huskies matched up, USF took a 76-59 loss in Sioux Falls, S.D. on March 2, 2020 in the NSIC Tournament. USF and Minnesota Duluth are meeting for the 10th time, with USF trailing, 6-3. In their last meeting, USF took a 76-64 loss in Sioux Falls, S.D. on February 25, 2021.

Follow USF Women's Basketball - Broadcast - Social Media
Follow USF Women's Basketball on Twitter at @USFCougars_WBB and @USF_Athletics. All USF's home and road games and NSIC contests are streamed for free through Blue Frame at NSICNetwork.com. Veteran announcer Tom Frederick will provide play-by-play for the conference radio broadcasts on KWSN.com with nonconference games broadcast with play-by-play by Frederick on the NSICNetwork.com.  Live stats for Friday (SCSU) available by clicking here. Live stats for Saturday (UMD) available by clicking here.

Game Breakdown -  
The Cougars, directed by USF Head Coach Travis Traphagen (all-time wins leader at USF with 264), is outscoring opponents, 70.9-to-60.6 or an 10.3 margin. The Cougars rank fourth in the NSIC in scoring and third in points allowed. In shooting, USF is averaging 41.8 percent on 497-of-1189 from the field, which is eighth in the NSIC. They are also fourth in field percentage defense at 38.6 percent. In addition, USF is third in three-point shooting, making 121-of-352 from distance. Against the three-point shot, USF is fifth in the NSIC, holding opponents to 29.2 percent on 103-of-353 shooting. The Cougars, which have out-rebounded opponents in 12 of 19 games, rank eighth in the NSIC with 37.8 rpg and is fifth in offensive boards at 11.4 per game. USF is second in turnover margin at 3.47 (15.7-to-19.2). In forcing 19.2 turnovers, USF averages 10.11 steals per game, which is second in the league. In 19 games, USF has 192 steals with 11 games of at least 10 or more. USF has twice had 19 or more with a season-high 21 vs Waldorf University. 

Individually, freshman guard Megan Fannin leads USF with 14.5 points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. USF is also is receiving 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds from senior forward Krystal Carlson. Junior guard Dallie Hoskinson, who has six games of double-digit rebounds in 2021-22, averages 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds (5th, NSIC) per game, 4.0 assists (6th NSIC), and 2.4 steals (5th, NSIC). She was recently named the NSIC Player of the Week after nearly securing a triple double (14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists) after a home win over U-Mary on Jan. 7.

Opponent Breakdown -
St. Cloud State
The Huskies, directed by 18th-year Head Coach Lori Fish, are coming off of a three-game winning streak, including a weekend sweep of Augustana and Wayne State on Jan. 21-22. SCSU, which is first in the NSIC North and first overall, averages 64.6 points per game on a 41.5 field goal percentage. The Huskies are grabbing 36.4 rebounds per game, as well as 8.7 steals and dishing out 14.4 assists. Individually, the Huskies are led by Tori Wortz, who is averaging 13.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Nikki Kilboten is also averaging 6.6 rebounds and adding 12.7 points per game for SCSU. 

Minnesota Duluth
The Bulldogs, directed by 7th-year Head Coach Mandy Pearson, are coming into the matchup on a six-game winning streak, including a weekend sweep of Augustana and Wayne State on Jan. 21-22. UMD, which is second in the NSIC North and second overall, averages 65.1 points per game on a 44.0 field goal percentage. The Bulldogs are grabbing 34.6 rebounds per game, as well as 7.4 steals and dishing out 15.8 assists. Individually, the Bulldogs are led by Brooke Olson, who is averaging 17.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Sarah Grow is grabbing 5.3 rebounds and adding 9.7 points per game for UMD. 

Series Notes --
USF holds 7-4 advantage over SCSU
The Cougars hold the advantage over SCSU, 7-4, in the all-time series with a 5-2 all-time mark in NSIC play. In the last meeting, USF took a 76-59 loss on March 2, 2020 at the NSIC Tourney. SCSU has won three straight games dating bacl Dec. 15, 2018 in ST. Cloud. The Huskies took a 66-41 decision and then on Dec. 14, 2019, SCSU defeated USF, 80-76, in double overtime. USF's last win was a 64-59 decision at St. Cloud on Dec. 8, 2017 which gave USF a four-game winning streak in the series. USF also won three straight from Jan. 11, 2014 to Jan. 31, 2015. 

USF trails 3-6 in series with UMD
The Cougars trails UMD, 6-3, in the all-time series in the NSIC. In their last meeting in the first round of the NSIC Tournament, USF dropped a 78-64 decision at the Pentagon.  UMD has won four straight dating to a 69-51 win on Dec. 9, 2017 in Duluth, Minn. USF's last win was a 66-47 win over UMD on Dec. 10, 2016 at the Stewart Center. IT was the third straight win dating to a 82-53 USF win on Jan. 29, 2016. UMD won the first-ever NSIC matchup, 69-59, on Jan. 10, 2014 in Duluth, Minn.  USF is 1-3 in road matchups and 2-5 in conference play with a 2-2 home mark.

Player Profiles - Fannin & Hoskinson have both earned NSIC Player of the Week honors in 2021-22
Freshman guard Megan Fannin is averaging 14.5 points (9th, NSIC) and 3.4 rebounds in leading USF to 13 wins in 19 games. Fannin earned her first-ever NSIC Player of the Week honor on Dec. 13, 2021. She earned the honor with two solid performances in wins over Upper Iowa and Winona State. In a 73-50 win over Upper Iowa, she had 20 points and six rebounds, as she made 4-of-10 from three-point range in 29 minutes. Against Winona State, Fannin led the Cougars to a 74-54 win by scoring 22 points with three rebounds, assist and a steal. Fannin, a business administration major from Watertown, S.D., ranks fifth in the NSIC in three-point field goals per game at 2.2 per game, as well as first in free-throw percentage at 89.1 percent. She has 14 career double-digit scoring games with 13 this year (26, 15,18, 22, 13, 16, 20, 20, 22, 19, 19, 12, 16). In 2021-22, Fannin has five games of 20 points or more (six in her career) and 303 career points (276 this year).

Senior forward Krystal Carlson, who is putting up 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, is hitting 45.7 percent from the field (69-of-151) and 81.8 percent (36-of-44) at the foul line. Carlson has six double-digit games this season and 19 for her career with a double-double against SMSU in the regular season finale a year ago. In that game, she also had a career-high of 28 points to lead USF to an 88-83 overtime win at home. With 14 points in a 69-61 road win over SMSU on Sunday, Jan. 2, she surpassed 500 career points. In her career, she has 538 points with 174 this season. Carlson has 280 rebounds, 66 assists, and 36 blocked shots.

Junior guard Dallie Hoskinson, who has 11 double-digit scoring games at USF and 31 in her career (20 at Johnson CC), was named NSIC Women's Basketball South Division Player of the Week on Jan. 10, 2022 after recording a near triple-double against U-Mary with 14 points, nine rebounds and tying a career-best eight assists. She had a career-best performance vs Augustana on Dec. 2 with 20 points, eight rebounds and four steals. She is scoring 9.3 points while grabbing 7.4 rebounds (5th, NSIC) and 4.0 assists (6th, NSIC). Hoskinson has five double-doubles at USF with the most recent 13 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Minnesota Crookston on Jan. 22. The junior guard also has 23 career double-digit rebound games (12 at JCCC), including 11 at USF with a career-best 15 rebounds against Upper Iowa. She has totaled six double-digit rebound games this season. Hoskinson has a team-high 44 steals or 2.4 per game. In her career at USF, she has had three or more steals in a game seven times, including four or more three times. This year she has at least one steal in all but one game and four in four different games. With double-digit points in seven games this season, she has now scored scored 278 points at USF and 425 at JCCC for 703 in her career.  She has 607 total rebounds between JCC (367) and USF (240) for an average of 7.4 per game. She has 15 double-doubles (10 at JCCC/5 at USF), as well as recording four triple-doubles at USF. 

Sophomore guard Sydney White is averaging 4.9 points and 1.1 rebounds while hitting 31-of-63 for 49.2 percent. White has reached double-digits four times at USF with a career-best 18 against Missouri Western on Nov. 12.  White, who had 15 points against Mount Marty on Monday, Jan. 10, has played 22 career games and totaled 94 points in her career. 

Forward Kiara James is supplying 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds. In 91 career games, she has 319 career points and 185 rebounds. James, who has three double-digit scoring games, has a career-best 14 points vs Wayne State on Feb, 2, 2020. James, who has 24 career blocks and 35 assists, set her career-best with eight rebounds against Upper Iowa on Jan. 9, 2021. 

Freshman Olivia Gamoke, who has made 16 starts in 19 games, is averaging 6.6 points (125 total) with 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists. She has 27 steals or 1.4 per game. She had a career-high of 13 points against South Dakota Mines on Nov. 27 with a career best five rebounds against Upper Iowa on Dec. 10, 2021 and twice has had five assists (Fort Hays State, Nov, 13, 2021 & Black Hill State, Nov. 20, 2021). Gamoke has a high of four steals against Presentation on Nov. 16, 2021 She has had at least two steals in a game six times and a steal in 10 of 14 games.  

Freshman Brecli Honner is averaging 3.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in making 15 starts in 18 games. She has a career-high of 10 points and eight rebounds against South Dakota Mines on Nov. 27, 2021. She has had six points or more this year seven times.

Danielle Schaub, a graduate transfer from Concordia St. Paul, has made three starts in 19 games while averaging 6.2 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. She has made 17 triples, recorded 20 steals and dished 21 assists. She scored 13 points against Missouri Western and has 118 on the season. She has 27 double-digit scoring games (four at USF) with a high of 27 points against Augustana on Feb. 15, 2020 when she hit a career-best nine three-pointers while playing at Concordia St. Paul. In her career, she now has 608 career points. 

Freshman JeMae Nichols is averaging 3.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18 games this season, including three starts. Against Winona State, she set a career high of 13 points on Dec. 11, 2021. Against Upper Iowa on Dec. 10, she had a career-best 10 rebounds. This season, she is hitting 46.4 percent from the field on 26-of-56 shooting and has 18 of her 64 rebounds off the offensive glass. Also, she has 13 assists, including a career-high four vs Winona State on Dec. 11, 2021. Nichols has totaled seven blocks and nine steals. 

Also of note, USF's Madison Wuebben, who has two starts in 17 games, is averaging 5.1 points and 1.9 rebounds this year. Wuebben has a career high of 15 points (Mount Marty, 1/10/22) and has two double-digit scoring games. She is hitting 44.4 percent from three-point range on 16-of-36 shooting. Overall she is making 49.3 percent from the field on 33-of-67 shooting.  Wuebben has made a three point field goal in 10 straight games. She has knocked down a career-high three triples twice including hitting 3-of-5 from Minnesota Crookston on Jan. 22, 2022 at the Stewart Center.

In six games, Madison Birnbaum has put up 6.0 points and grabbed 2.7 rebounds per game. She is making triples at a 32.3 percent rante on 10-of-31 shooting. Birnbaum has a career-high of 15 points (Mount Marty, 1-10-22) and has made four triples in a game (Mount Marty, 1-10-22). She has a high of five blocks (Mount Marty, 1-10-22) and a high of five rebounds (Mount Marty, 1-10-22). With five blocked shots against Mount Marty on Jan. 25, 2022, Birnbaum, who has played in six games this season, had the most by a USF player since Moira Duffy registered eight blocks in a win over Bemidji State on Jan. 12, 2018. 

USF Season Review - 2021-22 
G1 - Missouri Western 76 USF 68 -- In the opener, USF had a career high 18 points from Sydney White, 13 from Danielle Schaub and 12 by Krystal Carlson but had a second-half rally fall just short in a 76-68 loss to Missouri Western (1-0) at the Tip Off Classic on Friday night (Nov. 12) to open the season. White, a sophomore from Andover, Minn., came off the bench to spur USF's second half rally in which USF had a 46-to-40 advantage. She scored 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting and knocked down both of her three-point shots. In her first game at USF, graduate transfer Danielle Schaub had 13 points as she hit 6-of-6 from the field and her only three-point shot. Senior Krystal Carlson added 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Also contributing was junior Dallie Hoskinson with five points and a team-high 10 rebounds to go with two steals and an assist. 

G2 - No. 4 Fort Hays State 82 USF 73 --  In game two, USF had a career-high 26 points by Megan Fannin but dropped an 82-73 decision to No. 4 ranked Fort Hays State on Saturday afternoon at the Tip-Off Classic. Against one of the top-ranked teams in DII, USF battled all night and made several runs at the Tigers. USF's efforts were led by Fannin, a freshman guard from Watertown, S.D., who hit 9-of-18 shots, including a career-best 5-of-8 from three-point range and added three foul shots. Also for USF, senior forward Krystal Carlson had 15 points, two rebounds, and five steals in 24 minutes. Freshman Olivia Gamoke had a career-best 10 points in her second game at USF. She added five assists, three rebounds, and two steals while hitting 4-of-7 shots from the floor, Additionally, USF had 10 points and four rebounds from Kiara James and nine points and three rebounds from junior guard Dallie Hoskinson. Overall, the Cougars hit 24-of-59 shots for 40.7 percent and made 10-of-24 shots from the three-point range for 41.7 percent. The Cougars improved their free-throw shooting from game one with 15-of-18 conversions for 83.3 percent. 

G3 – USF 86 Presentation College 36 -- Led by a swarming defense and balanced scoring, USF led from start to finish and cruised to an 86-36 nonconference win over Presentation College (2-6) in the home opener on Tuesday at the Stewart Center.  Leading the way for the Cougars was freshman guard Megan Fannin who had 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field and hit a three-pointer. The Cougars also had a career-best 10 points from Lizzie Olson on 5-of-8 shooting. USF also had eight points from Molly Lutmerwhile freshman Olivia Gamoke also had seven points, four steals, three rebounds, and two assists. Another freshman guard, Jemae Nichols added seven points with three rebounds and two steals. s. In total, USF had 12 players scored in a game that the Cougars forced 37 turnovers while recording a season-best 19 steals with three blocks.  Overall, USF, which has won 18 straight home-opening games, was 36-of-73 for 49.3 percent but made just 3-of-15 from the three-point range for 20 percent. The Cougars had a 42-28 rebound advantage with 18 off the offensive glass. Olson had four of those 18. USF was also 11-of-15 from the foul line. USF had a 50-22 advantage of points in the paint, 20-13 margin on second-chance points, and an 18-2 margin in fast-break baskets. In addition, USF's bench held a 47-20 margin against PC. 

G4 – USF 74 Black Hills State - Freshman guard Megan Fannin had 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead a balanced attack as USF (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. 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.  

G5 -- SMSU 75 USF 67 --  Freshman guard Megan Fannin scored a game-high 22 points but USF dropped a 75-67 decision to Southwest Minnesota State (4-1, 1-0 NSIC) on  Nov. 23 at the Stewart Center. In the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener for both teams, USF led, 16-12, after one quarter and 33-29 at the break. However, SMSU, which was picked to finish second in the NSIC South, rallied in the third quarter with a 19-10 margin for a 48-43 lead. Then, SMSU, which was led by 18 points from Jenna Borchers, outscored USF, 27-24, in the fourth quarter to earn the win. With the victory, the all-time series between the schools is deadlocked at 38 although USF has a 16-4 margin in NSIC games.  Fannin recorded her fourth straight game with double-digit points and her second 20-point effort in five games this season.  USF also had a double-digit point effort from forward Kiara James who had 11 points and five rebounds. Forward Krystal Carlsonsupplied eight points with a rebound and three steals while freshman guard Olivia Gamokehad seven points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.  In a game with nine tied scores and five lead changes, the Cougars hit 26-of-68 shots from the field for 38.2 percent although they made just 1-of-9 from three-point range. The Cougars, which was out-rebounded, 42-29, made 14-of-19 foul shots for 73.7 percent.  USF had just 12 turnovers and forced 23 as they had a 12-to-8 margin in points off turnovers and a 19-to-10 advantage on fast-break points.

G6 -- USF 70 SD Mines and Tech 57 -- Olivia Gamoke and Brecli Honner were among the four USF players to score in double-digits in taking a fifth straight win over SD Mines in the 70-57 decision in Rapid City. Gamoke hit 6-of-7 shots, including her only three-point shot, and had two assists, a block and a rebound in the win. Honner had 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting while also setting a career-best with eight rebounds.  USF's leading scorer, Megan Fannin, had 13 points, including a pair of triples, and added four rebounds and an assist. She reached double-digits for the fifth straight game and sixth in her career. Junior center Krystal Carlson also surpassed double-digits with 12 points while hauling down seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 30 minutes on the floor.  USF jumped to an 18-9 lead after the first quarter and then led, 42-25 at halftime. SD Mines outscored, USF in the third quarter, 15-11, to draw within, 53-40. Both teams scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, USF came home with a 70-57 victory.

G7 -- USF 73 Augie 60 -- Dallie Hoskinson recorded a career-high 20 points with eight rebounds and four steals to lead USF to an 73-60 win over Augustana (3-2, 0-2 NSIC) in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action at the Sanford Pentagon on Thursday night. Hoskinson had another career-best game against the Vikings. On Feb. 13, 2021, she set her previous career-high at USF with 18 points against Augustana. The junior guard from Hugoton, Kan., shined with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting and knocked in a three-pointer with 3-of-4 from the foul line. In addition, she had eight rebounds, three assists, and four steals. Joining Hoskinson in double-digits was freshman guard Megan Fannin with 16 points and freshman Olivia Gamoke with 10. USF is now 11-9 in the DII era against their city rivals. Overall, USF was 28-of-63 from the field for 44.4 percent, although just 3-of-15 from three-point range. The Cougars converted 14-of-20 foul shots for 70 percent, had a 40-31 edge on the boards and had 12 assists.

G8 -- USF 76 Wayne State 75 -- Megan Fannin had 20 points to lead four players in double-digits as USF earned its third straight win by edging Wayne State (5-2, 2-1 NSIC), 76-75,  in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action at the Stewart Center on Saturday.  The Cougars defeated WSC for the eighth straight time in a streak that began with an 81-59 win on Jan. 4, 2019 at the Stewart Center. USF had 12 points and six rebounds from Krystal Carlson, who has 17 career-double digit games. Also adding 12 points was Dallie Hoskinson who also supplied three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Senior Danielle Schaub added 11 points with a pair of rebounds, an assist, and a steal. In a game with 10 tied scores and eight lead changes, the Cougars trailed, 22-17, after a quarter but with a 20-13 margin in the second quarter took a 37-35 lead to halftime. USF also had the advantage in the third quarter by a 22-21 margin for a 59-56 lead. WSC had a 19-17 advantage in the fourth quarter as the Cougars hung on for a 76-75 win.

G9 -- USF 73 Upper Iowa 50 -- With 20 points from Megan Fannin and a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds by Dallie Hoskinson, USF defeated Upper Iowa, 73-50. USF defeated Upper Iowa for the 16th straight time and now holds a 19-1 overall series advantage.  Fannin was 7-of-17 from the field with four triples in 10 attempts while adding six rebounds, which was her second-best total this season. Hoskinson, a junior from Hugoton, Kan., recorded her third double-double of her career at USF with her 13th during her collegiate career (Johnson Community College). The 11 rebounds for Hoskinson was a team-season high and her six assists were also a best this season. She made 5-of-10 from the field and added a triple. USF had a career-best night from freshman JeMae Nichols of Cherokee, Iowa, who reached double-digit rebounds for the first time with 10. She had a career-best eight points by hitting 3-of-5 from the field and adding two assists and a blocked shot. Also for the Cougars, freshman guard Olivia Gamoke of Onalaska, Wis., had 10 points from five rebounds.  Overall, the Cougars hit 29-of-71 field goals for 40.8 percent and was 10-of-29 for 34.5 percent from three-point range. The Cougars, which hit 5-of-6 free throws, had a substantial rebound advantage of 53-33. 

G10 -- USF 74 Winona State 54 -- The trio of Megan Fannin, Krystal Carlson and JeMae Nichols combined for 54 points and 16 rebounds to lead USF to its fifth straight win with a 74-54 win over Winona State (4-5, 1-4 NSIC) on Saturday at the Stewart Center. The Cougars defeated WSU for a fourth straight time to tie the all-time series at 10-10. In addition, the Cougars, who improved to 5-1 at home, registered its sixth win by a double-digit margin and its second straight of 20 points or more. USF held a second straight NSIC opponent to 54 points or fewer.  For the third straight game, Fannin, a freshman from Watertown, S.D., scored at least 22 points. Against WSU, she had 22 points by hitting 8-of-15 field goals as she set a career-best with six triples in 10 attempts. Senior forward Krystal Carlson had 19 points and eight rebounds with four assists and two steals in 27:25 on the floor. JeMae Nichols set her career-high in points with 13 one night after she had a career-best with 10 rebounds against Upper Iowa on Friday. Against the Warriors, Nichols hit 6-of-10 field goals, hauled down six rebounds and dished four assists with a steal in giving USF a 44-to-10 edge in bench points. The Cougars also had a solid effort from junior guard Dallie Hoskinson, who had a career-best eight assists to go with eight rebounds and four points with a steal. The Cougars, which led by 23 points in the fourth quarter (74-51, 1:36), controlled the game from start to finish. USF led 19-15 after a quarter and 35-27 at halftime. With a 17-14 edge in the third quarter, USF built a 52-41 advantage and then outscored the Warriors, 22-13 in the fourth quarter to take away a second straight 20-point win. Against Winona State, USF hit 32-of-63 field goals for 50.8 percent, including 8-of-19 from three-point range for a season-high 42.1 percent. USF's eight triples was tied (Wayne State, 12/4/21) for their second-best total this season (10 vs Fort Hays State, Nov. 13, 2021). 

G11 -- USF 82 Waldorf 42 -- USF's defense certainly played a central role in the win. Not only did the Cougars hold Waldorf to 42 total points, including just 17 in the second half, USF had a season-high 21 steals in forcing 31 WU turnovers. As a result, USF had a 34-to-7 margin in points from turnovers. USF also won the rebound battle for a fifth straight game at 37-34. Of that total, USF had 15 offensive boards and as a result had a 13-to-6 margin in second chance points. USF also had a 42-to-20 margin of points in the paint and a 19-to-2 margin in fast break points. Sydney White came off the bench to help USF to a 39-to-10 margin in bench scoring. She made 5-of-11 field goals, including two three-point baskets, while grabbing a career-best six rebounds and dishing two assists. A freshman from Andover, Minn., White scored in double-digits for the second time this season and the third in her career. Dallie Hoskinson had her third double double at USF and her second in three games. A junior from Hugoton, Kan., she had 11 points and 10 rebounds, including six offensive boards. Hoskinson also had five assists and set a career-best with five steals. Freshman guard Madison Wuebben had a career-best seven points while recording a rebound and a steal. The Cougars, which hit 35-of-77 for 45.5 percent from the field, trailed early (8-2) but had a 14-2 run to end the first quarter for a 16-10 advantage. Then, USF, which was 7-of-16 for 43.8 percent from three-point range, took a 34-25 lead to the break. However, in the second half, USF dominated with a 48-to-17 margin for the 40-point win in the first-ever meeting between the schools. 

G12 – No. 24 Minn. State 73 USF 64 -- USF had a six-game winning streak end on a tough shooting night as the Cougars dropped a 73-64 decision at No. 24 Minnesota State at the Taylor Center of the Bresnan Arena on Dec. 17. The Cougars led early before MSU was able to gain control and build as much as a 15-point lead later in the game. USF rallied late and pulled within three with 2:54 to play but couldn't quite get over the top in falling to the first-place Mavericks. MSU took an eight-point lead after the first quarter, 25-17. At the half, MSU still led by eight at 37-29 before extending it to 59-47 through three quarters. USF cut the lead to three points late in the fourth quarter (67-64, 2:37 to play) but MSU had a 6-0 closing run. While USF did not place any player in double-digits, the Cougars showcased a balanced attack with 10 players scoring between two and nine points. Kiara James, Megan Fannin and Sydney White all led USF with nine points. Dallie Hoskinsonhad seven points, a game-high 11 rebounds, four assists and a steal. Hoskinson had her fourth game of double-digit rebounds, including her second straight, this season. Danielle Schaub also had eight points as did Krystal Carlson, who had four rebounds and two steals. In its attempt to knock off a nationally-ranked foe, USF was hurt by its 33.3 percent shooting mark as they made just 21-of-63 field goals and 5-of-22 for 22.7 percent from three-point range. USF, which made 17-of-20 foul shots for 85 percent, was outrebounded, 46-42. The Cougars were also hurt by fouls with 21, including the loss of two starters. 

G13 – Concordia St. Paul 71 USF 51 -- USF, which was led by 10 points from Danielle Schaub, had a difficult shooting night in falling to Concordia St. Paul, on Dec. 18 at the Gangelhoff Center in St. Paul, Minn.  After the two teams played to a 14-14 tie in the first quarter, CSP outscored USF, 22-8, in the second quarter for a 36-22 lead at the halftime break. CSP also had a 17-15 scoring edge in the third quarter for a 53-37 margin. And, the Golden Bears had an 18-14 margin in the fourth quarter to earn the win. Schaub hit 3-of-6 field goals, including 1-of-2 from three-point range and dished two assists to lead the way for USF. The Cougars also had eight points and seven rebounds from junior forward Kiara James and seven points and five rebounds from freshman guard Megan Fannin. For the third straight game and the fifth time this year, junior guard Dallie Hoskinson had double-digit rebounds with 10. She scored two points and had two assists while grabbing a game-high six offensive boards. On the game, USF was 18-of-58 for 31 percent from the field and just 4-of-15 from three-point range for 26.7 percent. The Cougars won the rebound battle with a 37-35 advantage. 

G14 -- USF 69 SMSU 61 -- USF, which led from start to finish, was on fire early as the Cougars hit 9-of-15 shots in the opening quarter and opened up a 24-4 lead. By halftime, USF held a 40-23 lead, despite SMSU owning a 19-16 margin in the second quarter. SMSU also won the final two quarters – 18-15 in the third; and 20-14 in the fourth. The Cougars built as much as a 24-point lead (49-25 with 6:02 to play in the third quarter). Then, SMSU closed on a 36-20 run but USF made baskets as needed and held off the Mustangs. Fannin led USF with 19 points as she made 7-of-14 from the field and connected on 2-of-5 from three-point range. A freshman from Watertown, S.D., Fannin had her 11th career double-digit scoring game, including a team-best 10 this season. She also had a pair of rebounds with an assist and a steal. Carlson, a senior forward from Hastings, Minn., totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists in a solid all-around game. Carlson, who hit 5-of-14 shots, including 4-of-4 from the foul line, recorded her 20th career double-digit scoring game. She also surpassed 500 career points (512).  

G15 - USF 74 U-Mary 58 -- Megan Fannin, JeMae Nichols and Dallie Hoskinson all scored in double digits to lead USF past U-Mary, 74-58 on Jan. 7 at the Stewart Center. Fannin, who ranks eighth in the league in scoring, had 19 points with four rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 30 minutes. Fannin hit a pair of three-pointers in the fourth quarter as part of an 11-0 run that gave USF a 65-54 lead and momentum to finish off their sixth league win. Junior guard Dallie Hoskinson toyed with a triple-double as she had 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes. Nichols had her second career-double digit scoring game with 10 points while adding seven rebounds. Nichols, who helped USF to a 26-to-13 bench scoring advantage, hit her first career three-pointer and also had a steal in 14 minutes on the floor. USF, which led 12-4 after the first quarter, took a 30-24 lead at halftime. U-Mary held a 24-19 advantage in the third quarter to cut the lead to 49-48. In the fourth quarter, the Marauders took a 52-51 lead before USF finished off a 25-10 quarter advantage by finishing with a 23-to-6 run.  USF, which led by as many as 18 points late in the fourth quarter, hit 25-of-63 field goals for 39.7 percent, including 9-of-21 three-pointers for 42.9 percent. SUF was 4-of-5 from three-point range in the game-deciding run in the fourth quarter. Also, USF was 15-of-16 at the foul line for 93.8 percent. USF has 12 steals as they forced 16 turnovers and had a 23-to-9 advantage in points off turnovers.  

G16 - USF 78 MMU 46 -- Led by 15 points each from Sydney White, Madison Wuebben and Madison Birnbaum, the Cougars recorded its third straight win with a 78-46 decision over Mount Marty. For the game, USF hit 24-of-57 field goals for 42.1 percent, which included a season-high 11 three-point shots on 25 attempts for 44 percent. USF, which had a 28-to-6 margin in points off turnovers, had eight steals and forced 22 turnovers. The Cougars also converted 19-of-21 free throws for 90.5 percent. Sharing the basketball is common for this squad as they also had 18 assists on 24 made baskets. USF won the rebound battle for the 11^th time in 16 games with a 37-32 margin and totaled seven offensive boards. USF jumped out to a 23-7 lead after one quarter and took a 40-16 lead to halftime. MMU won the third quarter with an 18-14 burst while USF doubled up the Lancers in the fourth quarter at 24-12 to earn the 78-46 win which was USF's 25^th all-time win with MMU.

G17 - NSU 60 USF 59 -- USF was led by Danielle Schaub with 11 points as she was 3-of-7 from three-point range and added three rebounds. For Schaub, she now has 27 career double-digit games at USF and Concordia St. Paul with her fourth at USF.  The Cougars also had a solid effort from Krystal Carlson, who had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists as she played just 18 minutes due to foul problems. Carlson had her 18^th career double-digit scoring game. Also for USF, junior guard Dallie Hoskinson had eight points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals in 36 minutes on the floor. Madison Wuebben added seven points while Kiara James, Madison Birnbaum and Olivia Gamoke all supplied six points. USF finished at 34.9 percent shooting (22-of-63) from the field and made 8-of-25 from the three-point range for 32 percent. The Cougars, which lost the rebound battle, 36-33, were 7-of-10 at the foul line. USF, which had a 19-to-15 margin in points off turnovers, also had an 11-to-8 margin in second-chance points. USF, which led 59-58 with 1:06 to play, had its largest lead of the game at 31-23 with 4:05 to play in the second quarter.

G18 - USF 66 BSU 59 -- Hoskinson recorded her fifth double-double of her career and had a season-best 12 rebounds. Hoskinson was 5-of-14 from the field and hit her only three while grabbing a season-best eight offensive rebounds. With her 13 points, she is just six away from 700 career points (694) and tonight with 12 board reached 600 career rebounds. She now has 31 double-figure scoring games and 11 at USF. In the opening quarter, BSU jumped out to a 14-11 lead before the Cougars responded by taking control in the second and third quarters. USF outscored BSU, 20-14, in the second quarter for a 31-28 halftime lead. With a 22-12 third quarter, USF led, 53-40. Then, USF built the advantage to 66-50 before BSU scored the final nine points of the game. Key for USF was its strength inside as they outscored BSU, 34-28, in the paint. With the 43-33 rebound edge, USF had a massive 23-to-4 margin on second chance points. And, USF's deep bench made a big impact again with its 21-to-5 bargin over the Beavers. Overall, USF hit on 25-of-66 field goals for 37.9 percent, including 4-of-11 from three-point range for 36.4 percent. USF made 12-of-15 foul shots and also had three blocks and five steals while recording 12 assists on 25 made baskets. Freshman guard Megan Fannin also reached double digits for the 12^th time in her career and 11^th this year by scoring 12 points with three rebounds. USF had a solid contribution from freshman guard JeMae Nichols, who in her second start, had nine rebounds and four points. Krystal Carlson, Olivia Gamoke and Madison Wuebben all added eight points while Danielle Schaub supplied seven.

G19 - USF 70 UMC 60 -- With 16 points from Megan Fannin and 14 off the bench by Madison Wuebben, the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team turned back Minnesota Crookston in a hard fought NSIC cross divisional contest. Against UMC, Fannin hit 5-of-15 field goals and also 5-of-6 from the free throw line le securing four rebounds and recording three steals, a career-high. She also reached double digits for the 13^th time this season and second game in a row. Wuebben was just a point off her career-best but reached double digits for the second time with 14 points. She was 5-of-7 from the field and tied her career-best by hitting three triples on five attempts. Wuebben also had two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Cougars also had solid production from Dallie Hoskinson who had nine points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals in 36 minutes. Hoskinson moved past 700 career points and now has 703. Danielle Schaubadded seven points and six rebounds while sophomore Madison Birnbaum supplied nine points and three rebounds in 11 minutes. While USF hit just 38.7 percent from the floor on 24-of-62 shooting, the Cougars converted 9-of-25 from three-point range for 36 percent. However, they did not meet their season average at the foul line as they were just 13-of-22. Key to the Cougars' success was its 27-to-10 margin in points off turnovers. The Cougars had 12 steals, including four by Krystal Carlson, as UMC committed 20 turnovers in the game. For USF, they have had double-digits steals 11 times this season as their defense as become one of the best in the league. Over the past three games, they allowed 60 points to NSU, 59 to Bemidji State and 60 today vs Minnesota Crookston. Also pivotal to USF's success tonight was its advantage on the break as they had a 20-to-7 margin. And, led by Wuebben, USF also had a 33-to-13 advantage in bench points.

HC Travis Traphagen - 14th season at USF
Head Coach Travis Traphagen has made a significant impact with the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team. In his 14th season at USF, he has established the career wins mark of 264 with six 20-win seasons, NSIC Tournament title, two tournament final appearances, and a pair of NCAA DII Tournament berths. 

Traphagen owns a 264-129 (.671) overall record, with six 20-win seasons, two NCAA DII Central Regional berths (2015-16, No. 7 seed; 2019-20, No. 3 seed) and a NSIC South Division title. He had back-to-back 20-win seasons twice at the DII level, including the 2019-20 (26-6) and 2018-19 (23-8) seasons. He also had back-to-back 20-win campaigns in 2015-16 and 2016-17 with the first NCAA Tournament berth in USF Women's Basketball history in 2015-16. He also directed USF to the NCAA DII berth in 2019-20. At the DII level, he has had four 20-win seasons with at least 22 wins each year. The 27 wins in the 2015-16 season is the most by USF at the DII level. 

Traphagen is 142-44 (.763) at home, 101-72 (.584) in away games and 21-13 on a neutral floor. The Cougars have a 122-79 (.606) NSIC record, including 66-35 at home and 55-44 on the road. Traphagen, who has directed USF to seven straight winning seasons, has twice guided the Cougars to the NSIC Tournament title game, winning in 2015-16 to earn USF's first trip to the NCAA Tournament in their Division II history. USF is 15-8 in the NSIC Postseason Tourney with Traphagen at the helm.