Weekend Matchup Preview

The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team gears up for an exciting weekend of NSIC play as they hit the road to face Winona State on Friday and #12 Minnesota State on Saturday. With a 6-4 overall record and 2-1 in conference play, the Cougars aim to build on their recent momentum and solidify their position in the standings.

Friday's clash with Winona State pits USF against a team with a balanced attack and defensive toughness, while Saturday's game against Minnesota State offers a showdown with one of the top-scoring offenses in the country.

Scouting Winona State

Winona State (5-4, 1-2 NSIC) enters this matchup looking to bounce back from a narrow loss against Wayne State. The Warriors rely heavily on senior guard Olivia Gamoke, who leads the team with 15.4 points per game and excels from beyond the arc, hitting 34.2% of her three-point attempts. Gamoke's ability to score in bunches makes her the focal point of the offense. Supporting her is Hailey Markworth, an efficient scorer averaging 12.8 points per game on 50% shooting. Markworth also contributes 5.0 rebounds per game, making her a key two-way player.

Vivica Bretton anchors the Warriors' efforts in the paint, averaging 5.3 rebounds per game while adding 7.3 points. Her presence on the boards will be critical for Winona State's success. Despite their strong individual performances, the Warriors struggle with turnovers, averaging 14.2 per game with a -3.0 turnover margin, an area USF will look to exploit.

Key Players to Watch

• Olivia Gamoke (15.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG): The senior guard is a dynamic scorer, averaging 15.4 points per game while leading the team in made three-pointers. Her ability to stretch the floor will challenge USF's perimeter defense.
• Hailey Markworth (12.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG): A versatile player, Markworth's efficiency from the field and ability to crash the boards make her a consistent threat on both ends.
• Vivica Bretton (7.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG): As the team's leading rebounder, Bretton's efforts on the glass and interior defense are pivotal to Winona State's game plan.

Team Insights

The Warriors have a respectable rebounding average of 36.7 per game, but their -0.4 rebounding margin highlights room for improvement. Defensively, their three-point defense ranks fifth in the conference, allowing opponents to shoot just 29.6% from beyond the arc.

Head-to-Head History

Sioux Falls holds a narrow 14-13 edge in the all-time series against Winona State. Last season, the Cougars split their matchups with the Warriors. USF claimed a hard-fought 53-49 road victory, limiting Winona to just 33% shooting from the field. However, in the home matchup, the Cougars fell 68-59, with Olivia Gamoke leading the way for Winona by hitting four three-pointers as part of her 19-point performance. Historically, the Cougars have excelled at home in this series, posting a 10-3 record compared to a 2-9 mark on the road.

Scouting Minnesota State

Minnesota State (7-2, 3-0 NSIC) boasts the NSIC's top offense, averaging an impressive 88.3 points per game. The Mavericks are led by senior guard Natalie Bremer, who is averaging a conference-leading 23.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Bremer's scoring versatility and high basketball IQ make her a constant threat. Destinee Bursch complements Bremer's output, adding 18.3 points per game while showing a knack for getting to the free-throw line, where she shoots 75.5%.

Defensively, Hannah Herzig leads the Mavericks with an aggressive style that results in 3.0 steals per game. Herzig's ability to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers fuels Minnesota State's transition game. Mackenzie Schweim provides an outside shooting threat, hitting 31.4% of her three-point attempts, while Ava Stier's rebounding (6.6 per game) ensures the Mavericks dominate second-chance opportunities.

Key Players to Watch

• Natalie Bremer (23.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG): The senior guard leads the NSIC in scoring and is highly efficient, shooting 52.6% from the field. Her ability to score at all three levels makes her nearly unguardable.
• Destinee Bursch (18.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG): A consistent scorer who excels at drawing contact, Bursch's free-throw shooting adds another dimension to the Mavericks' offense.
• Hannah Herzig (8.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG): A defensive anchor, Herzig's 3.0 steals per game set the tone for Minnesota State's high-pressure defense.
• Ava Stier (7.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG): Leading the team in rebounds, Stier's physicality and positioning make her a key contributor on the boards.

Team Insights

Minnesota State's rebounding prowess (44.6 per game) and scoring margin (+13.6) highlight their dominance. Despite their offensive firepower, their three-point shooting is the second-worst in the NSIC, hitting just 26.5% from deep.

Head-to-Head History

The Cougars trail the all-time series 11-12 against the Mavericks. Minnesota State has won the last seven meetings, with USF's last victory coming in January 2020. The Cougars will look to end this skid and secure a critical road win.

Cougars at a Glance

The University of Sioux Falls (6-4, 2-1 NSIC) enters the weekend with momentum after a commanding 79-68 victory over Minnesota Duluth. Sophomore forward Kami Wadsworth leads the Cougars in scoring, averaging 15.2 points per game. Wadsworth's ability to score efficiently and draw fouls makes her the team's most reliable offensive weapon. Supporting her is freshman guard Anna Vaaler, who has emerged as a sharpshooter, hitting 40% of her three-point attempts. Ayla Brown adds versatility, contributing 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Kami Wadsworth (15.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG): Team leader in scoring and free-throw percentage (.870), Wadsworth's consistency makes her a focal point of USF's offense.
• Anna Vaaler (9.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG): A sharpshooter from deep, Vaaler's ability to stretch the floor adds a critical dimension to the Cougars' attack.
• Ayla Brown (8.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG): A do-it-all guard who contributes on both ends, Brown's playmaking and defensive tenacity are crucial for USF's success.
• Aby Phipps (6.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG): Leading the team in rebounds, Phipps provides an interior presence and second-chance opportunities.

Team Insights

USF leads the NSIC in scoring defense, allowing just 59.7 points per game, and boasts the second-best free throw percentage (.778). Their ability to limit turnovers and convert from the charity stripe will be crucial this weekend.

Keys to Victory for the Cougars

1. Control the Tempo: Against Minnesota State's fast-paced offense, slowing the game down and dictating the tempo will be vital.
2. Win the Rebounding Battle: Both opponents are strong on the boards, making it critical for USF to box out effectively and secure second-chance opportunities.
3. Limit Turnovers: Protecting the ball against Minnesota State's aggressive defense will be key to avoiding easy transition points.
4. Capitalize on Free Throws: Maintaining their high free throw percentage could prove decisive in close contests.

Fan Information

• Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network.
• Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here on Friday vs Winona, and here on Saturday vs Minnesota State.
• Radio: Tune in to KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM with Tom Fredrick on the call.
• Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsWBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsWBB).

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