KANSAS CITY, MO. – The USF men's basketball team (1-1, 0-0 NSIC) collected their first victory of the season over Southern Arkansas (0-2, 0-0 GAC) 73-68, despite several key Cougars being sidelined due to illness. The "Next Man Up" mentality proved vital in their victory this evening. 

MATCH RECAP 

First Half  

Sioux Falls secured some early baskets and established a lead that set the tone for the rest of the match. Taylen Ashley showcased his shooting range by hitting two early three-pointers, while Noah Puetz found success attacking the basket. Shawn Warrior also asserted himself on the glass, pulling down multiple defensive rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities for Southern Arkansas. Sioux Falls' control of the boards proved to be crucial, with eight offensive rebounds in the first half alone, leading to several second-chance points. The team's ball movement was apparent with seven first-half assists. Despite some turnovers, Sioux Falls closed out the half up by three points, leading Southern Arkansas 34-31. 

Second Half

In the second half, Sioux Falls created a lead that swelled to 15 points before Southern Arkansas made their strongest effort of a comeback. Shawn Warrior, who finished the game with a double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds) continued his stellar play, getting points from the line and continuing to gather up rebounds. Sioux Falls kept up their dominance in the paint, scoring an additional 22 points inside. The Cougars' ball movement continued to thrive, as the team racked up nine assists in the second half, finding open looks and capitalizing. Sioux Falls was able to seal the victory by hitting 12 crucial free throws in the final period to fend off Southern Arkansas' comeback efforts. Sioux Falls closed out the game, finishing with a 73-68 win. 

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS 

• Total Rebounds: Out-rebounded Southern Arkansas 48-36. 

• Points in the Paint: Dominated inside with 38 points. 

• Assists: Showcased solid ball movement, leading to 16 assists. 

• Second-Chance Points: Converted 12 offensive rebounds into 14 second-chance points. 

• Defensive Stops: Limited Southern Arkansas to just 68 points. 

KEY COO 

• Shawn Warrior: 22 points, 8-11 FG, 11 rebounds, 4 assists 

• Noah Puetz: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists 

• Taylen Ashley: 15 points, 3-6 3PT, 4 rebounds 

• Brandon Hrncir: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist 

UP NEXT 

The Cougars will play host to the University of Jamestown in their home opener Saturday, November 16th at 3pm in the Stewart Center.  

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