Marshall, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team fell to Southwest Minnesota State tonight 86-61.

The Cougars and Mustangs played a tight first quarter with SMSU taking the 21-16 lead into the next period. USF shot 46% and made 1 from behind the arc. SMSU shot 50% from the field and made 4 3-pointers. In the 2nd quarter it was again tight with Southwest coming out on top 23-20. The Mustangs shot 50% again from the field and 42% from behind the arc. USF shot 44% but went 3-6 on 3 point attempts. SMSU took a 44-36 lead into the halftime break

The 3rd quarter is where Southwest took over and never looked back. USF shot 23% from the field and did not make a 3. The Mustangs shot 66% from the field and 85% from 3 going 6-7 from behind the arc to win the 3rd quarter 29-8 and extend their lead on the Coo. In the final period USF showed fight, winning the quarter 17-13. Southwest cooled off after their red hot 3rd quarter going 2-8 on 3 point attempts and shooting 33% from the field. The Cougars 33% from the field and 40% from behind the arc. Overall SMSU had 34 points in the paint compared to USF's 30 and the Mustangs owned the rebounding battle 45-30.

LEADERS

Ayla Brown led the Cougars in scoring with a career high 16 points. Fellow Freshman Kami Wadsworth added 13 as well. 

Brecli Honner paced the Coo in rebounding with 5. Brown and Kylie Wroblewski each added 4 boards. 

Multiple Cougars were tied for the lead in assists. Ayla Brown, Kami Wadsworth, Brecli Honner, Madison Wuebben, and Sidney Swanson all had 2 assists each. Brown also played a game high 34 minutes. 

UP NEXT

The Cougars will be back in action Tuesday December 19. They will take on Wayne State starting at 7:30PM in Sioux Falls, SD. This game will be played in the Stewart Center. 

For all things USF Women's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!