SIOUX FALLS -- With four games to play, the University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Team (11-10, 7-8 NSIC) hits the road for a pair of key NSIC South match ups against Winona State (13-8, 9-7 NSIC) on Friday, Feb. 11 and at nationally-ranked No. 19 Upper Iowa (20-4, 14-4 NSIC) on Saturday, Feb. 12. The Cougars will face Winona State at 7:30 pm on Friday in Winona, Minn., before venturing to Fayette, Iowa for a 5:30 pm game against UIU on Saturday.

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Follow USF Men's Basketball on Twitter at @USFCooBBall or 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. Live stats available for road games by clicking here for Winona State and clicking here for Upper Iowa.

How Things Stand 

USF is 7-8 in the NSIC which places them seventh in the South Division with the top six teams qualifying for the NSIC Tournament beginning on Feb. 23. However, the NSIC South is bunch up with just two games separating five teams, ranging from third place Wayne State at 9-6 to USF at 7-8. Winona State in currently fourth and just a game and half up on the Cougars while SMSU is 8-8 and Minnesota State, 7-7, and just a half game in front of USF.  After this weekend, USF will host Augustana on Senior Night on Feb. 17 and then close out the regular season on Feb. 19 in Wayne, Neb.

USF split a pair of home games this past weekend as they defeated Concordia St. Paul, 66-64, in Coach Chris Johnson's 400th game. The Cougars had 15 points from Matt Cartwright and 12 from Jack Thompson in the victory. Against Minn. State, the Cougars led 38-35 at halftime and had 29 points from Cartwright, but dropped a 77-69 decision. The Cougars are directed by school career wins leader (251overall, 235 at USF) Chris Johnson, who won his 100th career NSIC game against Concordia St. Paul, 80-69 on Dec. 18, 2021. He earned his 250th career win with a 73-47 decision over Minnesota Crookston. 

Through 21 games, USF ranks 11th in the NSIC with 72.2  ppg and allow 73.1 ppg, which is also 10th in the NSIC. USF is averaging 37.0 rebounds per game for fourth in the league with an NSIC-high 11.5 offensive boards (242 total). USF is shooting 32.3 percent from three-point range for 16th in the NSIC with 7.5 triples per outing ranking 10th in the league. The Cougars rank third in the league with a 2.14 turnover margin (9.6 to 11.7 for opponents) with a 1.32 assist-turnover ratio, its best mark in several years and fourth in the NSIC. With 12.7 assists, USF ranks 11th in the NSIC. USF 9.6 turnovers per game, USF ranks first in the NSIC and second in NCAA DII. The Cougars also rank 11th nationally with just 201 turnovers and 37th in assist turnover ratio at 1.32.

Opponent Breakdown -- Winona State & No. 19 Upper Iowa

Winona State (13-8, 9-7 NSIC) is directed by veteran Head Coach Todd Eisner and suffered two losses last weekend. WSU averages 72.7 points per game for 10th in the NSIC and just ahead of the Cougars. They rank third in the league by allowing 69.4 per game for third in the league. WSU is ninth in shooting at 46.3 percent and 12th by allowing 45.8 percent from the field.  From three-point range the Warriors rank seventh at 35.6 percent while making 8.9 threes per game for third in the NSIC. On the boards, WSU is 16th with 31.9 per game. WSU is led on offense by Alex Rosner who averages 17.5 points per game.

Upper Iowa, which is led by veteran coach Brooks McKowen, is efficient on offense and average 84.3 points per game for second in the NSIC. They allow 75.7 for 14th in the league. The Peacocks hit on 47.9 percent on their field goal attempts for fourth in the NSIC and of those they make 37.8 percent from three-point range for third in the NSIC. UIU hit on 8.8 triples per game. UIU is ninth in rebounding in the NSIC at 35.3 per game. The Peacocks are led by Joe Smoldt who puts up 17.8 points per game for seventh in the league and his teammate Jake Hilmer is suppling 16.9 ppg for 12th in the NSIC. 

Series Breakdown -

Winona State– USF – Cougars leads, 10-7

The Cougars have won four straight games in the series with its longest winning streak at four games from Jan. 8, 2016 to Dec. 1, 2017. On Dec. 11, 2021, the Cougars took a 71-57 decision as Matt Cartwight scored 24 while Chase Grinde had a double-double of 14 points and a career-high 14 rebounds and Luke Healy came off the bench for 13 points in his first game at USF. WSU had a three-game winning streak from Jan. 5, 2013 to Dec. 13, 2013. At home USF is 8-1 with a 2-6 away record. WSU won the first matchup 76-71 on Jan. 5, 2013. In the last 10 matchups, USF has an 8-2 margin. 

Dec. 11, 2021 -- USF 71 Winona State, 57, @ Stewart Center

Feb. 14, 2020 -- USF 51 Winona State 49 @ Winona, Minn. 

Jan. 25, 2020 -- USF 87 Winona State 85 OT @ Stewart Center

Feb. 15, 2019 -- USF 84 Winona State 80 2 OT @ Stewart Center

Jan. 26, 2019 -- Winona State 80 USF 77 @ Winona, Minn.

Jan. 6, 2018 -- Winona State 72 USF 70 @ Winona, Minn.

Dec. 1, 2017 -- USF 80 Winona State 64 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 7, 2017 -- USF 58 Winona State 55 @ Stewart Center

Dec. 2, 2016 -- USF 90 Winona State 81 @ Winona, Minn.

Jan. 8, 2016 -- USF 83 Winona State 78 @ Stewart Center

Dec. 5, 2015 -- Winona State 80 USF 69 @ Winona, Minn.

Jan. 9, 2015 -- Winona State 79 USF 64 @ Winona, Minn.

Dec. 6, 2014 -- USF 76 Winona State 54 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 18, 2014 -- USF 76 Winona State 69 @ Stewart Center

Dec. 13, 2013 -- Winona State 90 USF 65 @ Winona, Minn.

Jan. 25, 2013 -- Winona State 73 USF 63 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 5, 2013 -- Winona State 76 USF 71 @ Winona, Minn.

Series Marks -- USF - Upper Iowa -  Peacocks lead, 10-9

USF will meet Upper Iowa for the 20th time with the series favoring UIU, 10-9. In the most recent match up Dec. 10, 2021 at the Stewart Center, UIU captured an 86-79 decision, despite USF outscoring the Peacocks, 53-50 in the second half.. In 2020-21, USF took an 87-76 win on Jan. 9, 2021 by outscoring the Peacocks, 48-37 in the second half. USF also  had a 68-55 win over the Peacocks on Jan. 8, 2021 with both games at the Stewart Center. USF has a 6-5 home record against UIU with its longest winning streak of five games from Jan. 6, 2017 to Feb. 16, 2019. UIU won three straight from Jan. 4, 2013 to Dec. 14, 2013. USF is 7-3 in the last 10 matchups. USF is 3-5 at Upper Iowa and 9-10 in conference matchups. UIU won the first-ever matchup, 71-62, in Fayette Iowa on Dec. 4, 2013. 

Dec. 10, 2021 -- Upper Iowa 86 Sioux Falls, 79 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 9, 2021 -- USF 87 Upper Iowa 76, @ Stewart Center

Jan. 8, 2021 -- USF 68 Upper Iowa 55 @ Stewart Center

Feb. 15, 2020 -- Upper Iowa 75 USF 69, @ Fayette, Iowa

Jan. 24, 2020 -- Upper Iowa 68 USF 60 @ Stewart Center

Feb. 16, 2019 -- USF 80 Upper Iowa 60 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 25, 2019 -- USF 81 Upper Iowa 72 @ Fayette, Iowa

Jan. 5, 2018 -- USF 77 Upper Iowa 72 @ Fayette I0wa

Dec. 2, 2017 -- USF 90 Upper Iowa 78 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 6, 2017 -- USF 73 Upper Iowa 57 @ Stewart Center

Dec. 3, 2016 -- Upper Iowa 78 USF 76 @ Fayette, Iowa

Jan. 9, 2016 -- Upper Iowa 81 USF 68 @ Stewart Center

Dec. 4, 2015 -- USF 85 Upper Iowa 79 @ Fayette, Iowa

Jan. 10, 2015 -- Upper Iowa 100 USF 87 @ Fayette, Iowa. 

Dec. 5, 2014 -- Upper Iowa 82 USF 68 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 17, 2014 -- USF 84 Upper Iowa 78 @ Stewart Center

Dec. 14, 2013 -- Upper Iowa 96 USF 87 @ Fayette, Iowa

Jan. 26, 2013 -- Upper Iowa 82 USF 74 @ Stewart Center

Jan. 4, 2013 -- Upper Iowa 71 USF 62 @ Fayette Iowa

NSIC Rankings -- Individual

Scoring - Matt Cartwright, 3rd, 19.3 ppg; 

3-point percentage -- Matt Cartwright, 4th, 37.3 percent (59-of-158)

3-point field goals per game -- Matt Cartwright, 1st, 3.1 (59, 19 games)

Assists -- Jack Thompson, 7th, 4.2 (79)

Assist-Turnover Ratio -- Jack Thompson, 3rd, 3.04

NSIC Game Highs (USF players)

Points -- Jack Thompson, 34 vs. SMSU, 1-2-22, tied for 4th; Matt Cartwright, 32 vs Wayne State, 12/4/2021, 11th; Matt Cartwright, 31, vs Upper Iowa, 12/10/21, tied for 15th

Rebounds -- Chase Grinde, 14, vs Winona State, 12/11/2021, tied for 7th

Free Throws -- Jack Thompson, 16-19, SMSU, 1/2/2022, 1st

Assists -- Jack Thompson, 9, vs Dakota State, 11/16, 2021, tied for 7th 

3-point field goals -- Matt Cartwright, 7, vs. Upper Iowa, 12/10/2021 tied for 1st; 6, vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri State, 11/13/2021, tied for 7th.

USF Game-By-Game Review - 2021-22

G1 Southern Nazarene 73 Sioux Falls 52 -- Jack Thompson scored 13 points and Matt Cartwright added 12 but USF dropped a 73-52 decision to Southern Nazarene in the season opener at the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday (Nov. 12). USF hit just 19-of-56 field goals for 33.9 percent and was just 3-of-19 from three-point range for 15.8 percent. However, USF controlled the boards, finishing with a 37-33 margin. In a game with four lead changes and a tie, USF trailed just 31-29 at halftime after leading for a good share of the first half. However, SNU outscored USF, 42-23, in the second half. SNU hit 16-of-27 shots for 59.26 percent after the break, including 6-of-10 from three-point range to create separation from the Cougars. As for USF, they made just 8-of-26 field goals for 30.77 percent including 3-of-11 from three-point range. Two other categories in stats favored SNU, including its 20-11 edge in points off turnovers and 20-8 margin with points in the paint. Thompson, who now has 20 career double-digit scoring games, led USF with 13 points as he hit 6-of-13 shots from the field while adding an assist, two rebounds and a steal. Cartwright had 12 points in 32 minutes. USF also had nine points from both Chase Grinde, who added three rebounds and two assists, and Austin Slater, who had a team-high nine rebounds.

G2 – Sioux Falls 83 No. 1 Northwest Missouri State 77 -- In one of the biggest wins in USF history, the Cougars (1-1) knocked off defending NCAA DII national champion and No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri State (2-1), 83-77 at the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo. In the victory, the Cougars upended the No. 1 Bearcats 45-straight game-winning streak on a neutral floor.  It was the longest active win streak among all NCAA Div. I, II and III schools. The Bearcat's last loss on a neutral floor came Nov. 13, 2015, vs. Upper Iowa (L, 76-72). It is USF's first win over a top-10 opponent in the DII era. In adding a little historical twist, the Cougars won for the first time in 81 years and in three meetings with NWMSU. The Bearcats had held a 2-0 lead with USF but had not met since 1939-40 or 81 years ago. In 1939-40 the Bearcats won 52-32 and they had a 39-27 win in the 1937-38 season. USF led from start to finish as they jumped ahead 26-9 by the 7:32 mark of the opening half. They led by 21, 60-39 in the second half before NWMSU closed to within two and the Cougars held on for an 83-77 win with crucial plays in the final minutes Senior Matt Cartwright led USF with 29 points as he made 9-of-18 field goals and was a sizzling 6-of-9 from three-point range.  He also had seven rebounds, two steals and an assist in 37 minutes on the floor. Junior guard Jack Thompson added 20 points as he was 7-of-18 from the floor and had a pair of triples to go with five assists and a steal. Overall, USF shot 44.4 percent from the floor on 28-of-63 shooting. In that total, USF was 11-of-25 from the three-point range as they made 5-of-12 in the opening half and followed up with 6-of-13 for 46.1 percent in the second 20 minutes. At the foul line, USF was 16-of-22 for 72.7 percent.  

G3 – USF 71 Dakota State 61 -- Matt Cartwright scored 28 points and Jack Thompson had a 17 to USF to a 71-61 nonconference victory over Dakota State (2-6) in USF's home opener at the Stewart Center. Cartwright hit 12-of-24 field goals, including 2-of-6 from three-point range while grabbing five rebounds and recording an assist and steal. Thompson was 6-of-11 from the floor and added nine assists, three rebounds and two steals in a solid floor game.  USF outscored Dakota State, 29-21, in the first half and had a 42-40 edge in the second 20 minutes for the 71-61 win and a second straight decision over the Trojans. Overall, USF was 27-of-59 from the field for 45.8 percent, which included 7-of-19 from the three-point range for 36.8 percent. The Cougars, which had a 19-6 margin in points from turnovers, made 10-of-14 free throws for 71.4 percent. USF also had a 9-2 margin in fast-break points and had a 12-11 margin in points off the bench.

G4 – USF 74 Chadron State 56 -- The trio of Matt Cartwright, Chase Grinde and Jake Kettner combined for 69 points to lead the University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Team (3-1) to a third straight nonconference win in a 96-78 decision over Chadron State (0-4) on Friday night. For the third straight game, Cartwright, a senior from Sioux Falls, S.D., scored at least 28 points in a win. In his 28 tonight, he hit 9-of-13 from the field with 3-of-4 from three-point range and 7-of-9 free throws while adding four rebounds and two assists in 34 minutes.   Junior guard Chase Grinde had a season-high with 24 points as he surpassed double digit scoring for the 35th time and the first time this season. He now has six 20-point games in his career. On the night, the Spring Grove, Minn., native, made 10-of-14 field goals, including 1-of-3 from three and 3-of-3 at the foul line while grabbing eight rebounds and dishing three assists in 24 minutes. Also for USF, Jake Kettner of New Ulm, Minn., had a career-high of 19 points as he was 6-of-11 from the field and 2-of-3 from three while hitting 5-of-6 foul shots. The Cougars, which defeated Chadron State for a third straight time in the series, had a season high with 20 assists, committed just seven turnovers and owned a 32-26 edge in rebounds. The Cougars raced to a 47-29 lead by halftime and with 49 points in the second half recorded a season-high points in the 96-78 decision. The point total is the highest offensive output most since recording a 96-51 win over Minot State in the NSIC playoffs on Feb. 27, 2019. On the night, USF hit 54.2 percent from the field on 32-of-59 shooting. USF was 7-of-15 from the three-point range and 25-of-32 for 78.1 percent at the foul line. USF had a 28-20 margin with points in the paint, 33-31 total in bench points and a 10-8 advantage in points off the break.

G5 -- SMSU 70 USF 69 -- In  a back and forth tussle, USF dropped a close 70-69 decision to Southwest Minnesota State (4-1, 1-0 NSIC) in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener at the Stewart Center on Tuesday night (Nov. 23). SMSU now has a 23-15 lead in the all-time series. In the series, SMSU has won five of the seven games decided by two points or fewer. USF was led by senior guard Matt Cartwright, who had 19 points, including 4-of-11 from three-point range. USF had three players in double-digits with junior guard Chase Grinde adding 12 points, a team-high seven rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot. Jack Thompson added 10 points with a team-high six assists, two rebounds and a steal. 

G6 - Mary 83 USF 74 -- USF, which had 17 points by Matt Cartwright, dropped an 83-74 nonconference decision to U-Mary (2-3) on Friday (Nov. 26) at the Microtel Thanksgiving Classic. Oba finished with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. In total USF had five players in double digits as Jack Thompson and Jake Kettner both scored 11 points and Chase Grinde had 10 points and seven rebounds. USF led, 36-28, at halftime but was outscored 55-38 in the second half by the Marauders. USF finished 29-of-66 from the field for 43.9 percent and made 8-of-25 from three-point range for 32 percent. In addition, USF, which was outrebounded, 37-36, hit 8-of-13 free throws for 61.5 percent. 

G7 -- Sioux Falls 80 MSUM 76 -- Matt Cartwright scored a game-high 22 points while Jack Thompson added 16 points and Chase Grinde had 15 to lead the University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Team to 80-76 win over Minnesota State Moorhead in nonconference play at the Microtel Thanksgiving Classic which concluded on Saturday (Nov. 27). In a game that featured numerous runs by both sides and 24 lead changes as well as 22 ties, the Cougars prevailed with a closing run of 11-2 over the final 2:58 of regulation. USF trailed, 74-69 before Cartwright hit a three and was fouled with the "and 1" drawing USF within a point at 74-73. The Cougars then closed on a 7-2 run for the win. Key in the final moments was four points from Thompson in the final 1:20 of the game. His foul shots gave USF a 75-74 lead and with 37 seconds left and converted a drive into points for a four-point lead (78-74).  

G8 -- Augustana 72 USF 67 -- In a city rivalry battle, which included 10 lead changes and six times, USF dropped a 72-67 decision to Augustana (7-1, 1-1 NSIC) on Dec. 2 at the Pentagon. USF, which trailed just 26-25 at halftime, was outscored 46-42, in the second half. With the loss, USF is now 0-2 in league play and 4-4 overall. They now trail Augustana, 41-37, in the all-time series. The two schools will meet later this year on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Stewart Center. Against AU, the Cougars were led by 18 points from freshman guard Jake Kettner, who hit 5-of-11 shots from the field and was 4-of-7 from three-point range. Sophomore guard Jack Thompson chipped in with 13 points, eight assists, two steals and three rebounds. For the game, USF hit 25-of-59 field goals for 44 percent and made 7-of-21 from the three-point range for 33.3 percent. USF, which had a 36-to-27 rebound edge, hit 10-of-14 from the line.  

G9 -- USF 81 Wayne State 79: Matt Cartwright scored 32 points, including hitting the game-winning shot with 6.2 seconds left, to rally USF  to a gritty come-from-behind win over Wayne State on Dec. 4 at the Stewart Center. With the victory, USF won for the 15th time in 31 games with Wayne State and its sixth win in the last seven meetings between the two schools. It was quite a day for Cartwright, who not only had his first 30-point game at USF, but his season-high total of 32 points pushed him past 1,000 points for his career and sits at 1,006. Cartwright, who scored 17 points in the first half, helped USF rally from down, 54-40 at the 15:42 mark of the second half, to earn a win and end a two-game slide. Cartwright hit 13-of-19 field goals, including 2-of-6 from three-point range and 4-of-5 at the foul line. In his first start at USF, Cedric Johnson came up big with his high at USF of 14 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block to his total. Chase Grinde had 10 points, five rebounds and led USF with six assists.  

G10 – Upper Iowa 86 USF 79 – USF, which had a game-high 31 points from Matt Cartwright, lost a shootout with Upper Iowa, 86-79, in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference South Division play on Dec. 10 at the Stewart Center. While a winter storm bristled outside, both USF and Upper Iowa put on an offensive show in the second half with a combined 103 points. USF, which trailed, 36-26, at the break, outscored the Peacocks, 53-50, over the final 20 minutes but just came up short. USF opened the second half on a 26-to-16 run to draw even with the Peacocks at 50-50 (10:44) but couldn't sustain the run as UIU closed on a 36-29 advantage. Cartwright, a senior from Sioux Falls, S.D., had 31 points for his second straight game of 30 points or better. Cartwright hit a career-best seven three-point field goals on 16 attempts and added two rebounds. In addition, USF had a big night from Chase Grinde, a junior guard from Spring Grove, Minn., who had 15 points and eight rebounds. He was 6-of-12 from the floor and hit 1-of-3 from three-point range. USF also had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds from Jake Kettner while Jack Thompson had eight points, three assists and a rebound before fouling out.  

G11 – USF 71 Winona State 57 -  Matt Cartwright scored 24 points, Chase Grinde had his first career double (14 points, 14 rebounds) and Luke Healy scored 13 off the bench to lead USF past Winona State (6-4, 2-3 NSIC), 71-57, in NSIC South Division play at the Stewart Center. The Cougars also defeated the Warriors for the fourth straight time and now own a 10-7 series advantage. Grinde, a junior guard from Spring Grove, Minn., had a career-high 14 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive glass. On 6-of-11 shooting, including a triple, he had 14 points along with three assists in 31 minutes on the floor. In his 47th double-digit scoring game, Cartwright of Sioux Falls, S.D., had 24 points on 9-of-23 shooting from the floor, adding a pair of triples and two assists. In his first game for USF, Healy, a freshman from Hudson, Wisc., stepped up. With two starters out, Healy had 13 points and four rebounds with two assists, two steals and a blocked shot. He was 4-of-7 from the floor, including 1-of-2 from three-point range and 4-of-4 at the foul line. The Cougars owned a commanding 44-to-30 rebounds margin with 11 off the offensive glass as Slater had three offensive boards. As a result, USF had a 15-to-2 margin in second-chance points. USF, which had a 19-to-3 margin in bench points, also used the break to its advantage to the tune of 9-to-2. After trailing by 11 points (23-12) with 10:26 to play in the first half, USF closed on an 18-to-11 run to draw within, 34-30, at the break. Then in the second half, USF dominated the boards to a tune of 29-to-13 and outshot WSU, 42.4 percent (14-of-33), to 31.0 percent (9-of-29) to outscore the Warriors, 41-23. 

G12 - Minnesota State 81 USF 63 -- A short-handed University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Team (6-6, 2-4 NSIC) dropped an 81-63 decision to Minnesota State (8-3, 3-3 NSIC) at the Taylor Center at Bresnan Arena on Dec. 17. USF, which had two starters out, was led by a pair of players who reached career-bests. Senior forward Marko Coudreau scored 13 points for his top mark at USF and junior Will Kondrat reached double-digits for the first time at USF with a team-high 14 points. USF, which was outscored, 48-23, in the first half after shooting just 25 percent, outscored MSU, 40-33, in the second half to cut the deficit to 81-63. In the final 20 minutes, the Cougars hit on 17-of-32 field goals for 53.1 percent.

G13 -- USF 80 Concordia St. Paul 69 -- Led by sophomore guard Jack Thompson with 17 points and 12 from redshirt freshman Jake Kettner, the University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Team (7-6, 3-4 NSIC) closed 2021 with a road win in an 80-69 decision over Concordia St. Paul (1-12, 0-7 NSIC) at the Gangelhoff Center on Dec. 18. Overall, USF, despite missing two starters, had a balanced attack with 10 players putting points on the board and eight players scoring six or more. The Cougars had a 20-10 run in the first half to move to a 38-25 lead before extending the margin to 46-28 at the half-time break. CSP outscored USF, 41-34, in the second half but the Cougars maintained a double-digit lead for most half in defeating the Golden Bears for a ninth straight time dating to 2017. For the game, the Cougars hit 26-of-66 shots for 39.4 percent with 6-of-19 from three-point range for 31.6 percent. USF, which made 22-of-27 free throws for 81.5 percent, dominated the boards at a 47-30 margin and committed just 10 turnovers. The Cougars also shared the ball with 16 assists on 26 made baskets.

G14 -- USF 72 SMSU 71 -- Jack Thompson scored a career-high 34 points and led a 10-4 rally in overtime to lift USF (8-6, 4-4 NSIC) to a come-from-behind 72-71 win over Southwest Minnesota State (8-5, 4-4 NSIC) in NSIC South Division play on Sunday, Jan. 2 at the R/A Facility in Marshall, Minn. For the game, Thompson hit 8-of-21 field goals, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, while knocking in 16-of-19 foul shots. He also had four rebounds, three assists and four steals in his career-best performance. Thompson scored 15 points straight for USF at one point in the second half and scored 28 overall after halftime. His previous career-best was 27 vs Minnesota State on Jan. 31, 2021. However Thompson beat that total in second half and overtime as he averaged better than a point a minute in those 25 minutes to play. After trailing 24-15 in the first half, USF closed with a 12-6 run to draw within, 30-27, at the break. In the second half, USF had a 33-30 edge over SMSU as the game was tied at 60 to force overtime. In the extra session, USF had a 12-11 advantage to earn the hard-fought win. Also for USF, junior guard Chase Grinde added 10 points and eight rebounds with two assists, two steals and two blocks in 39 minutes. Noah Puetz, who made his second career start, added a career-high 11 points and three rebounds with two steals. He hit a clutch three-pointer in the final two minutes of overtime to help USF rally for the win.   

G15 -- Northern State 79 USF 72 -- For the second straight game, USF was led in scoring by sophomore guard Jack Thompson, who had 21 points, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, but fell at Northern State, 79-72. Thompson also had six rebounds, two assists and two steals in 31 minutes on the floor. Matt Cartwright recorded his 48th double digit scoring game, including 11 at USF, by scoring 16 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Junior guard Chase Grinde had his 44th career double digit scoring game with 15 points, four rebounds. USF also had 11 rebounds from Austin Slater, who added five points and four assists. It is Slater's 10th double-digit rebound game of his career.  USF, which had a 21-13 lead in the first half, had a one-point edge at halftime at 25-24 but NSU outscored, USF, 55-47 in the second half as both teams shot the ball extremely effectively. The key to the game was at the foul line where NSU had a 34-to-10 advantage even though USF had a 27-to-21 margin in field goals. 

G16 - USF 72 Bemidji State 65 -- With a closing run of 33-12, USF rallied past Bemidji State (6-10, 3-9 NSIC) on Friday (Jan. 21) at the Stewart Center.  The Cougars, which had four players score in double-digits, trailed 53-39 with 13:03 to play. Then, sparked by Cedric Johnson, who had nine of his 12 points in the second half, USF put together their closing run of 33-12.  USF was led by Matt Cartwright, who scored 18 points and hit a trio of three-pointers while grabbing three rebounds and blocking a shot. Johnson had 12 points as he scored in double-digits for the second time at USF and 10th in his career. Also reaching double-digits for the second time at USF was freshman guard Noah Puetz, who had 10 points with a career-best seven rebounds and hit a pair of triples. Junior guard Chase Grinde added 10 points, two rebounds and two steals.  

G17 -- USF 73 Minn. Crookston 47 -- Matt Cartwright, Jack Thompson and Chase Grinde scored in double-digits to lift USF (10-7, 6-5 NSIC) to a 73-47 NSIC cross-divisional win over Minnesota Crookston (6-13, 3-10 NSIC) on Saturday evening (Jan. 22) at the Stewart Center. Cartwright had 22 points to lead all scorers on the night. USF also had 14 points, six rebounds and three assists from sophomore guard Jack Thompson, who now has 30 double-digit scoring games in his career. Thompson hit 6-of-11 field goals and was 2-of-2 at the foul stripe. Junior forward Chase Grinde added 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal in 29 minutes. Also for USF, Noah Puetz had nine points and four rebounds while Jake Kettner added six points, a steal and two rebounds. In the past two games, USF has shut down the opponent's three-point shooters. Bemidji State hit 6-of-25 for 24 percent and UMC was 5-of-20 for 25 percent. In total, USF's perimeter defense held the two opponents to 11-of-45 or 24.4 percent. 

G18 -- St. Cloud State 72 USF 63 --Despite placing three players in double-digits, USF dropped a 72-63 decision at St. Cloud State (9-10, 5-7 NSIC) on Jan. 28 in Halenbeck Hall. USF, which led early, 14-6, trailed 24-23 at halftime before SCSU had a 48-40 margin in the second half to pick up the win. Junior guard Chase Grinde led USF in scoring with 18 points and seven rebounds Senior guard Matt Cartwright scored 14 points, including making 4-of-10 shots from three-point range. Sophomore guard Jack Thompson added 10 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Senior forward Austin Slater had six points with 11 rebounds. Overall, USF was 25-of-63 for 39.7 percent from the field with 5-of-17 from three-point range for 29.4 percent. The Cougars, which lost the rebound battle, 38-36, were outscored at the foul line, 21-to-8, a major factor in the final tally. SCSU was 23-of-57 from the field for 40.4 percent and 5-of-18 for 27.8 percent from three-point range. SCSU, which hit 46.7 percent (14-of-30) in the second half as they earned the win. Caleb Donaldson had 18 points and six rebounds while Anthony Roberts had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.  

G19 -- Minnesota Duluth 98 USF 64 -- USF, which had career highs from Luke Healy (16) and Jack Cartwright (15), dropped a 98-64 decision to No. 11 Minnesota Duluth (19-2, 12-2 NSIC) on Jan. 29 in NSIC cross-divisional play at Romano Gym. Healy scored 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field as he recorded his second career double-digit scoring game. Jack Cartwright registered his first-ever double-digit scoring game and had a career-high with 15 points as he knocked in a career-best three triples in eight attempts. Also reaching double-digits was Chase Grinde, who made it for the 48th time in his career as he finished with 10 points along with six rebounds, three assists and a steal.  Overall, USF was 24-of-67 from the field for 35.8 percent. The Cougars were outrebounded, 34-27, and committed 12 turnovers. UMD, which had 33 points from Drew Blair and 22 by Austin Andrews, came into the game as the highest-scoring team in the league.  

G20 -- USF 66 Concordia St. Paul 64 -- Matt Cartwright scored 15 points to lead USF to the home win and sweep of the season series. USF now leads CSP, 20-6 all-time. After two road losses, the Cougars had a bounce back win where they controlled the rebounds, 38-to-33, and shared the basketball with 16 assists on 24 made baskets. Overall, USF hit 24-of-62 field goals for 38.1 percent but knocked in 11-of-33 from three-point range for 33.3 percent, a mark well above its average of 7.4 made threes per game.  In addition, USF had eight steals and had just nine turnovers as they had a 17-to-11 margin in points off turnovers. USF also used the rebound margin to a 9-to-5 advantage in second chance points. Noah Puetz had a career-high with 12 points and Jack Thompson also had 12. USF led, 37-29, at the halftime break.

G21 -- Minn. State 77 USF 69 – Matt Cartwright scored 29 points and Chase Grinde had his second career double-double (10 points, 13 rebounds) but the USF dropped a 77-69 NSIC South Division decision to Minnesota State  on Feb. 5 at the Stewart Center. After MSU raced to a 10-0 lead in the opening two minutes of the game, USF rebounded and took a 38-35 halftime lead. However, MSU outscored USF, 42-31, in the second half to earn the victory. While USF had a massive advantage of 44-to-34 on the glass, including 18 offensive rebounds, the Mavericks earned the win with a solid shooting effort. The Mavericks converted 26-of-54 from the field for 48.1 percent, including 7-of-15 from three-point range (46.7 percent) while making 18-of-30 foul shots. USF was not quite as successful as they hit 25-of-72 field goals for 34.7 percent and made just 6-of-29 shots from three-point range for 20.7 percent. USF was solid at the line by converting 13-of-15 free throws for 86.7 percent. In the paint, MSU had a 36-to-28 points advantage while USF had a 13-to-8 margin on second-chance points.  Cartwright scored 20 points or more for the 20th time in his career as he had 29 by making 10-of-23 field goals, including 5-of-14 from three-point range while grabbing five rebounds. Grinde registered his second career-double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. As a result, he now has 968 career points as he steadily moves closer to the 1,000-point mark.