Weekend Matchup Preview

The Cougars face a challenging weekend as they take on two NSIC opponents—Wayne State (7-4, 1-4 NSIC) and #24 Southwest Minnesota State (9-2, 4-1 NSIC). Wayne State boasts one of the top defensive units in the conference, while SMSU features a high-powered offense that thrives on efficiency and rebounding. USF will need to lean on its strengths—three-point shooting, offensive rebounding, and balanced scoring—to come out on top.

Scouting Wayne State

Wayne State (7-4, 1-4 NSIC) enters Thursday's matchup anchored by a defense that leads the NSIC in turnover margin (+3.4) and steals per game (9.1). The Wildcats are also tough in the paint, ranking 3rd in blocks (3.9 per game) and holding opponents to just 65.0 points per game—good for 3rd in the league. Offensively, Wayne State takes care of the basketball better than anyone in the NSIC, committing just 9.5 turnovers per game and boasting the conference's best assist-to-turnover ratio (1.51).

Key Players to Watch

• Matt Noll: The freshman forward leads Wayne State in scoring at 11.9 points per game, shooting an efficient 52.7% from the field. Noll's ability to score in the paint makes him a matchup problem.
• Cody McCullough: Wayne State's anchor in the paint, McCullough averages 11.7 points and a team-high 6.4 rebounds per game. He's also the Wildcats' leader in blocked shots (1.3 per game) and a consistent presence on both ends of the floor. His availability will be a storyline, as he missed the Wildcats' last game.
• JJ Ferrin: A perimeter shooter who provides spacing for Wayne State, Ferrin leads the team with 24 made three-pointers while averaging 11.6 points per game. USF will need to close out quickly on Ferrin to limit his opportunities from deep.
• Sean Stokes: A defensive spark, Stokes averages 2.0 steals per game to lead the team. His ability to pressure ball handlers can disrupt USF's offensive rhythm.

Head-to-Head History

USF trails slightly 17-18 (.486) in the all-time series against Wayne State. The Cougars won the lone matchup last season 70-62 in Sioux Falls, and the home team has come out on top in the last six meetings.

Scouting Southwest Minnesota State

#24 SMSU (9-2, 4-1 NSIC) brings one of the most balanced and efficient offenses in the conference. The Mustangs rank 3rd in scoring offense (77.2 points per game) and 4th in field goal percentage (47.7%) while holding opponents to a league-best 40.8% shooting. SMSU's ability to take care of the ball—ranking 2nd in turnover margin (+2.55)—and convert at the line with an NSIC-leading 76.6% free-throw percentage makes them a tough matchup for any opponent.

Key Players to Watch

• Aeron Stevens: Stevens leads SMSU in scoring at 17.4 points per game, ranking 5th in the NSIC. He's a force on the glass as well, pulling down 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 49.1% from the field. Stevens' ability to attack the paint and draw fouls—he's made 52 free throws in just 10 games—makes him a focal point for the Mustangs' offense.
• Jakob Braaten: The team's floor general, Braaten averages 13.0 points and a team-high 3.5 assists per game. His ability to orchestrate the offense while shooting 51.9% from the field provides SMSU with consistent playmaking.
• Mekhi Shaw: Shaw comes off the bench and makes his presence felt defensively. He leads the Mustangs with 26 steals—good for 2.4 per game, tying for the top mark in the NSIC. Shaw also averages 8.7 points per game, giving SMSU a spark on both ends of the floor.
• Mason Lund: A versatile guard, Lund averages 8.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, ranking among the league's best in rebounding. He's also SMSU's top three-point shooter, knocking down 16 threes at a 35.6% clip.

Head-to-Head History

SMSU leads the all-time series 24-17 and has won the last three matchups, including an 80-74 victory last season in Marshall, Minn. The Mustangs have won 5 of the last 6 games against USF.
 

Cougars at a Glance

USF enters the weekend as one of the NSIC's most balanced teams, excelling in ball movement, rebounding, and perimeter shooting. The Cougars lead the league in assists per game (16.7) and offensive rebounds (12.5), creating second-chance opportunities while showcasing their unselfish play. From deep, USF ranks 2nd in three-point percentage (37.8%), led by sharpshooters like Kenji Scales (60.9%) and Kyle Ingwerson (40.3%). With five players averaging double figures, the Cougars feature a versatile offense capable of spreading the floor and adapting to any matchup.

Key Players to Watch

• Kyle Ingwerson: A consistent scoring threat, Ingwerson leads USF with 11.9 points per game, shooting 40.3% from three and averaging 4.2 rebounds.
• Creighton Morisch: The senior forward is a double-double machine, averaging 10.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Morisch also provides a strong defensive presence with 15 blocks on the season, ranking 2nd in the NSIC.
• Taylen Ashley: The freshman point guard has made an immediate impact, averaging 11.2 points per game while shooting 40.4% from three. He's tied for the team lead with 30 assists.
• Shawn Warrior: Warrior adds versatility, contributing 10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while showcasing his athleticism and energy on the court.
• Kenji Scales: One of the league's most efficient shooters, Scales is hitting 60.9% from three-point range and provides 8.0 points per game.

Keys to Victory for the Cougars

1. Win the Turnover Battle: Both opponents excel at forcing turnovers and protecting the basketball. USF must limit mistakes and maintain strong ball movement.
2. Dominate the Perimeter: USF's three-point shooting gives them an edge. Hitting timely shots will be key against Wayne State's defense and SMSU's offensive firepower.
3. Rebounding Focus: The Cougars lead the NSIC in offensive rebounding but will face strong rebounding teams in SMSU and WSC. Controlling the glass will be essential for second-chance opportunities.
4. Contain the Stars: Limiting the impact of players like Stevens (SMSU) and Noll (WSC) will help neutralize each team's offensive strengths.

Fan Information

• Tickets: Available online here for Thursday's matchup with Wayne State.
• Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network.
• Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here Thursday and here Saturday.
• 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).