Weekend Matchup Preview

The Cougars open the weekend against Wayne State (4-5, 1-4 NSIC), a defensively tough team that leads the NSIC in blocks and relies on balanced scoring, second-chance points, and three-point shooting to fuel their offense—making paint protection and perimeter defense critical for USF. On Saturday, Southwest Minnesota State (9-2, 3-2 NSIC) brings one of the league's most explosive offenses, averaging over 84 points per game while combining efficient shooting and dominant rebounding. Led by Bri Stoltzman's scoring and playmaking, the Mustangs will challenge USF to slow the pace and capitalize on defensive stops to disrupt SMSU's rhythm.

Scouting Wayne State

Wayne State enters the matchup with a 4-5 overall record and a 1-4 mark in NSIC play. The Wildcats are built on defensive intensity, leading the conference in blocks and ranking as the third-best three-point shooting team in the league. Their balanced scoring effort allows multiple players to contribute, making them a challenging opponent. Defensively, Maya Fitzpatrick sets the tone as a standout, but the Wildcats' ability to contest shots and protect the rim makes them especially tough to score against.

Key Players to Watch

• Kylah vanDonkersgoed: A versatile 6-1 forward who stretches the floor and keeps defenses honest. She's shooting an impressive 41.9% from three-point range while maintaining the third-most attempts on the team. Her offensive rebounding presence, with 2 per game, makes her a key second-chance threat.
• Maya Fitzpatrick: A defensive stalwart, Fitzpatrick is a veteran guard who has made her mark on the NSIC. She ranks 4th in blocked shots and 7th in steals. Known for locking down the opposing team's best player, Fitzpatrick also paces the Wildcats with her ability to distribute, leading the team in assists.
• Tate Norblade: Efficiency is Norblade's game—she's shooting 50.8% from the field and is especially lethal when she gets to the free-throw line. An incredible 38% of her points come from the stripe, where she knocks down 85.1% of her attempts.

Head-to-Head History

USF and Wayne State have battled closely in recent seasons. The Cougars secured a hard-fought 70-68 overtime victory last season, showing they can rise to the challenge when it matters most. Expect another tightly contested matchup this time around.

Scouting Southwest Minnesota State

Southwest Minnesota State enters the weekend with a 9-2 overall record and a 3-2 mark in NSIC play, backed by one of the most potent offenses in the league. The Mustangs average 84.8 points per game—the second-highest in the NSIC—while leading the conference in field goal percentage and three-point shooting. Their offensive explosiveness was evident in a 111-point performance earlier this season, and their dominant rebounding adds another layer of toughness. Defensively, SMSU is just as impressive, ranking second in the NSIC for three-point percentage defense.

Key Players to Watch

• Bri Stoltzman: Stoltzman is the Mustangs' leader in points (16.6 per game), assists, and steals, demonstrating her all-around dominance. A downhill scorer, Stoltzman thrives in attacking the rim, shooting a conference-best 55.2% from the field. She's also a solid rebounder with 5.3 boards per game.
• Peyton Blandin: Blandin is a dynamic guard who can catch fire from beyond the arc. Averaging 15.9 points per game, she has already drained 18 threes this season, giving SMSU a consistent perimeter threat.
• Audrey Swanson: The Mustangs' glass-cleaner, Swanson ranks 2nd in the NSIC with 8.5 rebounds per game. She's also a reliable scorer, contributing 14.8 points per game while shooting at a 51.2% clip.
• Natalie Nielsen: Nielsen provides interior dominance, shooting over 60% from the field. She averages 3 offensive rebounds per game and is the team's top shot-blocker with 24 total swats this season—3rd best in the NSIC.

Head-to-Head History

The Cougars trail in the all-time series against Southwest 17-21 (.447). The Mustangs have been in control of the series lately, winning the last three matchups, including their only matchup last season where they came away with a 86-61 victory.

Cougars at a Glance

The Cougars (6-6, 2-3 NSIC) have shown balance this season, ranking in the top five in key NSIC categories, including free-throw percentage and points per game. USF boasts the league's second-best free-throw shooting percentage and averages 72.8 points per game, ranking fourth. The offense is led by Kami Wadsworth, who averages 16.6 points per game, while Ayla Brown provides steady playmaking with 3.3 assists. With a balanced attack and versatile scoring options, the Cougars have the tools to challenge any team in the conference.

Key Players to Watch

• Kami Wadsworth: The Cougars' leading scorer, Wadsworth is averaging 16.6 points per game—tied for 4th in the NSIC. She does most of her damage in the paint but is also a threat from deep, shooting 36.7% from three-point range. Wadsworth adds a steady rebounding presence with 4.3 boards per game.
• Ayla Brown: Brown runs the show for USF, leading the team with 3.3 assists per game (7th in the NSIC). Her ability to control the pace of the offense while chipping in 8.2 points per game makes her an invaluable floor general.
• Alexis Rose: Freshman standout Alexis Rose has been on fire recently. She dropped 22 and 23 points in back-to-back games last weekend, boosting her average to 9.3 points per game—second-best on the team.
• Anna Vaaler & Megan Fannin: The Cougars have a two-headed monster from three-point range. Fannin has hit 17 threes this season at a 37% clip, while Vaaler has knocked down 16 at 38.1%. Both players are critical to USF's spacing and offensive rhythm.

Keys to Victory for the Cougars

1. Contain Stoltzman and vanDonkersgoed: Both opponents have standout players who can dominate inside and stretch the floor. USF must keep them in check.
2. Win the Perimeter Battle: All three teams are top-five in three-point percentage. Defending the arc while capitalizing on open looks will be crucial.
3. Rebound, Rebound, Rebound: SMSU leads the league in rebounding margin. The Cougars will need to be physical on the glass to limit second-chance points.
4. Ride the Hot Hands: Players like Alexis Rose and Anna Vaaler have shown they can get scorching hot. Getting them open looks early could set the tone.

Fan Information

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