Weekend Matchup Preview 

The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team (6-7, 2-5 NSIC) heads to Minnesota Crookston (3-9, 2-4 NSIC) this Saturday for a conference showdown at Lysaker Gymnasium, tipping off at 5:30 PM. The Cougars, seeking to end a four-game skid, face a Golden Eagles team aiming to rebound from a tough start to the season. With both teams battling for traction in the NSIC standings, this contest promises high stakes and competitive energy.

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Scouting Minnesota Crookston 

Led by head coach Brian Beamish in his third season, the Golden Eagles are a scrappy team capable of competing against anyone despite their record. Offensively, they rely on senior guard Reid Grant, a dynamic scorer and playmaker averaging 15.4 points and a conference second-best 5.5 assists per game. Crookston's interior presence is anchored by Jordan Mitchell, who leads the team with 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per contest. 

Crookston's shooting efficiency has been inconsistent, with a field-goal percentage of 42.3% (15th in NSIC). However, their ability to protect the ball (11.3 turnovers per game) and solid three-point shooting makes them dangerous when their rhythm clicks. Defensively, the Golden Eagles have struggled, allowing 79.4 points per game (14th in NSIC) and a -5.5 rebounding margin. They've shown resilience in close games, pushing opponents like St. Cloud State to overtime while picking up notable wins against Bemidji State and Northern State. 

Key Players to Watch 

• Reid Grant: A versatile guard who leads the team in scoring (15.4 PPG) and assists (5.5 per game). Grant's ability to create offense for himself and his teammates makes him the focal point of Crookston's attack. 

• Jordan Mitchell: A physical forward who contributes 8.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. His defensive presence in the paint will challenge USF's inside scorers. 

• Andrew Stokes: Stokes provides steady production with 10.3 points per game on 50.6% shooting. He's also the team's best free-throw shooter, converting 81.4% of his attempts. 

• Micah Garrett: An efficient scorer averaging 10.0 PPG while shooting 45.5% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range, Garrett adds depth to the offense. 

Head-to-Head History 

The Cougars have had Crookston's number in recent years, owning a 13-3 record in the series. USF has won four straight meetings, including a dominant 74-47 victory at Crookston last season. The Golden Eagles' last win came in 2019, highlighted by a 40-point explosion from NSIC career scoring leader Harrison Cleary.

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Cougars at a Glance 

Under the leadership of veteran head coach Chris Johnson, the University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team enters the matchup with a 6-7 overall record (2-5 NSIC). The Cougars boast a balanced attack, with five players averaging double figures in scoring. Despite a tough stretch of losses, USF has shown resilience, highlighted by a marquee win over then-#11 Minnesota Duluth earlier this season. 

The Cougars lead the NSIC in rebounding margin (+7.5) and offensive rebounds per game (11.9), showcasing their dominance on the glass. Offensively, they average 74.7 points per game, powered by a mix of perimeter shooting (37.5%, 2nd in NSIC) and inside scoring from players like Creighton Morisch and Noah Puetz. However, turnovers remain an area for improvement, as USF averages 15.5 per game, ranking last in the conference. 

Key Players to Watch 

• Taylen Ashley: A consistent performer who averages 11.8 points and provides a spark from beyond the arc with a 40.0% three-point shooting percentage. 

• Creighton Morisch: Dominating on the boards with 8.8 rebounds per game, Morisch also chips in 10.8 points, often converting second-chance opportunities. 

• Noah Puetz: Fresh off a career performance, Puetz averages 12.6 points per game and shoots 36.6% from beyond the arc, making him a reliable scoring option. 

• Kyle Ingwerson: A versatile forward with a quick release from deep, Ingwerson adds 10.1 points per game and stretches defenses with his 35.2% three-point shooting. 

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Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

1. Control the Boards: USF leads the NSIC in rebounding margin (+7.5). Dominating the glass will limit second-chance opportunities for Crookston and fuel transition offense. 

2. Defend the Arc: With Crookston shooting a respectable 33.6% from three, perimeter defense will be critical to disrupting their offensive rhythm. 

3. Attack the Paint: Leveraging Creighton Morisch and Noah Puetz inside against a Crookston team struggling with a -5.5 rebounding margin will be key. 

4. Minimize Turnovers: USF's 15.5 turnovers per game have been a recurring issue. Taking care of the ball will prevent fast-break points for Crookston and maintain offensive momentum. 

5. Bench Contributions: With players like Jack Cartwright and Josh Baker providing sparks off the bench, USF's depth could be a decisive factor in this match.

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Fan Information 

• Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network. 

• Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here. 

• Radio: Tune in to KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM with Tom Frederick on the call. 

• Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsMBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsMBB).