MANKATO, MINN. - The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team fell 91-88 in a thrilling contest against #12 Minnesota State at Bresnan Arena. The Cougars (6-6, 2-3 NSIC) clawed back from a double-digit deficit to tie the game late, but the Mavericks held on with clutch free throws in the final seconds. Despite the loss, USF showcased resilience, overcoming turnovers and a relentless MSU press to push the former national champions to the wire.
1st Quarter
The game opened with Minnesota State's signature full-court press creating immediate challenges for Sioux Falls. Six of the Cougars' first seven possessions resulted in turnovers, helping the Mavericks to an early 10-0 lead. Kami Wadsworth broke the drought with a turnaround hook shot, followed by a fast-break layup from Aby Phipps that gave USF life. When the Cougars managed to break the press, they converted efficiently, shooting 72.7% from the field. However, MSU capitalized on USF's 10 first-quarter turnovers, scoring 12 points off them. The Mavericks also dominated the glass, pulling down eight offensive rebounds and converting them into 11 second-chance points. At the buzzer, the Cougars trailed 28-19 despite their efficient offense.
2nd Quarter
The Cougars settled into a rhythm in the second quarter, attacking the Mavericks' defense with precision. Defensive adjustments led to turnovers for MSU, and USF clawed back to within six points at 36-30 after an aggressive drive by Phipps. However, MSU answered with a quick 7-3 burst, extending the lead to double digits once again. Wadsworth and Phipps carried the offensive load for Sioux Falls, combining for 28 of the team's 45 first-half points. Wadsworth's ability to score efficiently in the paint (15 points on 5-6 shooting) and Phipps' deep corner three were key highlights. Still, turnovers continued to plague the Cougars, who had 17 by halftime. MSU's relentless effort on the offensive glass (13 second-chance points) kept them ahead, sending USF into the locker room trailing 55-45.
3rd Quarter
Momentum swung briefly in the Cougars' favor to start the third quarter. Alexis Rose sparked a quick run by breaking the press for a corner three and following it with a coast-to-coast layup. Rose and Phipps anchored the defense, with back-to-back blocks leading to a shot clock violation for MSU. Phipps then cut the deficit to 57-52 with a strong finish in transition. However, missed layups and turnovers allowed MSU to regain control with a 7-0 run, pushing the lead back to 12. Despite the Mavericks' push, USF stayed within striking distance thanks to timely free throws. At the end of three quarters, the Cougars trailed 74-64.
4th Quarter
Sioux Falls made their most significant push in the final period, fueled by defensive intensity and key offensive plays. Switching to a zone defense stymied the Mavericks early and allowed the Cougars to force turnovers. Rose and Wadsworth stepped up in crunch time, with Wadsworth's layup and free throw tying the game at 83-83 with just over two minutes remaining. Moments later, Rose stripped the ball from an MSU player and raced the other way for a go-ahead layup, giving USF an 85-83 lead. However, MSU answered every Cougar challenge, knocking down critical free throws and executing in the half-court to reclaim the lead. A quick layup by Wadsworth cut the deficit to one point in the final seconds, but MSU sealed the game at 91-88 with their free throws.
Key Team Stats
Key Coo
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Aby Phipps: Dominated inside with a double-double (21 points, 10 rebounds), 3 blocks, and 4 assists.
Up Next
The Cougars return to the Stewart Center this Thursday, December 19, for a 5:30 PM matchup against Wayne State. They'll close out the calendar year on Saturday, December 21, with a 2:00 PM showdown against (RV) Southwest Minnesota State.
For all things USF Women's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram and Twitter!
