MARSHALL, MINN. - The Sioux Falls Cougars (6-7, 2-4 NSIC) faced a tough test on the road, falling 93-61 to the (RV) Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (11-2, 5-2 NSIC) in Marshall, Minnesota . Despite a competitive first half that saw the Cougars trail by just five at halftime, SMSU's offensive surge in the third quarter proved too much to overcome. Anna Vaaler and Alexis Rose led USF with double-digit scoring efforts, while the Mustangs capitalized on their sharp shooting and rebounding dominance to secure the win.  

1st Quarter 

The Cougars got off to a strong start, fueled by efficient ball movement and sharp shooting from Anna Vaaler, who hit two key three-pointers early in the game. Sioux Falls also showed resilience on the boards, with Aby Phipps grabbing multiple defensive rebounds to limit SMSU's second-chance opportunities. While SMSU leaned on their inside game to stay close, Alexis Rose's timely jumpers gave USF a narrow 18-17 lead at the buzzer. The quarter featured three lead changes, emphasizing the tight battle on the court. 

2nd Quarter 

SMSU began to find their rhythm in the second quarter, particularly from beyond the arc, hitting six three-pointers to shift momentum. Despite this, the Cougars kept the game within reach, with Kami Wadsworth and Phipps combining for strong finishes around the rim. A sequence of back-to-back baskets by Vaaler and Rose kept USF competitive, but the Mustangs' balanced scoring attack helped them edge ahead by halftime, holding a 40-35 lead. Sioux Falls remained aggressive, forcing turnovers but struggled to convert them into points consistently. 

3rd Quarter 

The third quarter saw Southwest Minnesota State pull away with a dominant 29-point performance. The Mustang offense continued their efficient shooting and ability to find gaps in the Cougar defense. Sioux Falls worked to slow the momentum, with efforts from Megan Fannin off the bench and a few solid drives by Wadsworth. However, turnovers and cold shooting plagued the Cougars, and they entered the final quarter trailing 69-48, facing a steep uphill battle.  

4th Quarter 

The Cougars fought valiantly in the closing period, with Rose and Vaaler continuing to lead the offensive effort. Rose's aggressive drives to the basket resulted in key free throws, while Phipps' rebounding provided second-chance opportunities. Despite their efforts, SMSU's hot shooting from deep proved insurmountable. The Mustangs hit four three-pointers in the final quarter to cement their lead, securing a 93-61 victory. Sioux Falls showed flashes of grit but couldn't overcome SMSU's offensive firepower and rebounding advantage. 

Key Team Stats 

• Three-Point Percentage: USF struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 19.0% (4-of-21), whereas SMSU's sharp 44.4% (12-of-27), including six triples in the second quarter, widened the gap. 

• Turnovers: Both teams committed turnovers (USF - 14, SMSU - 13), but SMSU capitalized with 21 points off turnovers compared to USF's 10. 

• Fast Break Points: The Mustangs' speed translated to 24 fast-break points, while USF managed just 5 in transition. 

Key Coo 

• Anna Vaaler: Consistent scoring throughout the game, finishing with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. She also added 3 rebounds and provided steady perimeter play. 

• Alexis Rose: A dynamic two-way performance with 14 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals.  

• Aby Phipps: A force on the boards with 8 rebounds, including 2 offensive, and added 10 points. 

• Kami Wadsworth: Led the team with 14 points, adding 7 rebounds.  

Up Next 

The Cougars will take on the Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles in the first weekend after Christmas break. They'll travel up to Crookston for their 3:30pm matchup slated on January 4th in Lysaker Gymnasium. 

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