SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Cougars (6-7, 2-4 NSIC) fell to Wayne State (5-5, 2-4) in a battle that was close through the final horn. Aby Phipps led the way for the Cougars, getting 21 points and 10 rebounds, but the Wildcats had just enough answers, capturing a 72-70 victory at the Stewart Center. 

1st Quarter 

The Sioux Falls Cougars opened their matchup against Wayne State with intensity, aiming to establish an early advantage. Aby Phipps set the tone by sinking two free throws to start the scoring. Anna Vaaler quickly followed with a series of key baskets, including a fast-break layup and a jumper that put the Cougars up 8-1. Sioux Falls maintained their aggression in the paint, with Alexis Rose converting a contested layup and Megan Fannin adding a three-pointer to keep the momentum alive. Despite the strong start, Wayne State countered with a late surge, narrowing the gap. Sioux Falls ended the quarter leading 17-16. 

2nd Quarter 

The second quarter saw Sioux Falls continue to battle with grit and determination. Ayla Brown connected with Vaaler for a three-pointer to bring the Cougars within striking distance after Wayne State briefly took the lead. Brown showcased her sharpshooting by draining another three shortly after, keeping the Cougars close. Sioux Falls was able to close the gap to just one point late in the half, but the Wildcats found a way to grow the lead to 36-32, with Vaaler leading all Cougars at 11 points. 

3rd Quarter 

Coming out of the break, Sioux Falls found their rhythm and mounted a comeback. Phipps took control of the third quarter for the Coo, dominating in multiple ways in the paint. She secured 5 points from the free throw line, one of which came on an and-one put back that gave the Cougars their first lead of the second half 41-40. Both teams traded baskets for a while, with the Cougars maintaining the lead until a late 8-0 run sent the Wildcats into the final quarter with a 57-52 lead. 

4th Quarter 

Wadsworth rattled off a few early points and Phipps continued to work her magic at the basket, scoring 8 straight Cougar points to give Sioux Falls a 62-61 lead once again. The Wildcats found an answer of their own, scoring six straight points and putting the Cougars back on their heels. Rose came up with a clutch layup with 1:16 remaining, and the Cougars were now down just one, 71-70, but couldn't find another shot to fall, and a Wildcat free throw late brought us to the 72-70 final in favor of Wayne State. 

Key Team Stats 

• Charity Stripe: The Cougars were strong from the free throw line tonight, hitting 16-20 for 80%.
• Boards: 36-29 was the final rebounding count for the Cougars and Wildcats respectively.
• Fast Break: USF found many opportunities throughout the game to convert on fast breaks, tallying 15 points in this category.

Key Coo 

• Aby Phipps: Double-double tonight, getting 21 points and 10 rebounds on 6-9 shooting and going a perfect 9-9 from the FT line.
• Anna Vaaler: Was very efficient, going 7-12 from the field en route to 16 points, also adding in 4 rebounds.
• Kami Wadsworth: Came away with 15 points and 6 rebounds on the evening.

Up Next 

The Cougars will make their way over to Marshall, Minnesota, where they'll take on the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs in the final contest of 2024. That game will take place in the R/A Facility at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 21st.  

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