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USF Women Set to Host #19 Concordia-St. Paul and Minnesota Duluth in Conference Action

12/4/2024 4:19:00 PM

By: Clint Neumann
The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team (5-3, 1-0 NSIC) is ready for a pivotal weekend of conference play at the Stewart Center. With a perfect 2-0 record at home this season, the Cougars are looking to extend their win streak to five games and make a statement against two strong opponents.

Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 PM – #19 Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears (7-0, 1-0 NSIC)
USF opens the weekend with a challenge against the nationally ranked Golden Bears, who are riding a seven-game win streak. This matchup will test the Cougars' defensive prowess against one of the NSIC's top offenses. CSP, unbeaten this season, also leads the conference in several defensive categories, making them a complete and formidable opponent.

Saturday, Dec. 7 at 3:30 PM – Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (2-4, 0-1 NSIC)
The Cougars close out the weekend against a UMD team eager to bounce back from a slow start. Despite their record, the Bulldogs have shown the ability to score in bunches and challenge opponents on the glass. USF aims to end a nine-game losing streak to UMD, dating back to 2016.

Scouting Concordia-St. Paul

The Golden Bears have built their perfect start on a balanced attack, efficient offense, and stifling defense. They are coming off a dominant 78-48 victory over Winona State and a hard-fought 63-60 road win at Michigan Tech. CSP leads the NSIC in several statistical categories, including rebounding and blocked shots, and ranks fourth in scoring margin at +12.7.
Key Players to Watch
  • Lydia Haack (Jr., G): Haack is the heartbeat of CSP's offense, averaging 17.4 PPG (5th NSIC) and 4.9 APG (2nd NSIC). A transfer from Upper Iowa, she has seamlessly integrated into the Golden Bears' system. Her Week 1 NSIC Player of the Week performance showcased her all-around ability, including 22 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 58.1% shooting.
  • Lindsey Becher (Sr., C): Becher is a defensive anchor and one of the league's top forwards. Averaging 13.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG (5th NSIC), and 2.6 BPG (2nd NSIC), she also earned NSIC Player of the Week honors last week with a double-double average. Her ability to protect the rim will be a challenge for USF's offense.
Team Insights
  • Offense: 74.9 PPG (4th NSIC), shooting 41.8% from the field.
  • Defense: 62.1 PPG allowed (3rd NSIC) with an opponent FG% of 35.6% (1st NSIC).
  • Rebounding: 45.4 RPG (1st NSIC), with a league-best +9.7 margin.
  • Blocks: 6.0 per game (1st NSIC).

Scouting Minnesota Duluth

UMD has faced a tough early schedule, but their offensive firepower keeps them competitive. After defeating Michigan Tech 71-67, the Bulldogs fell to Minnesota State 82-64. While their defense has struggled, allowing 76.3 PPG, UMD's rebounding and three-point shooting remain strengths.
Key Players to Watch
  • Myra Moorjani (Jr., G): Moorjani leads the Bulldogs with 16.7 PPG (7th NSIC). A consistent scorer, she generates nearly a third of her points from the free-throw line.
  • Claire Bjorge (Fr., G): The freshman sharpshooter averages 12.8 PPG and ranks 2nd in the NSIC in three-point shooting at 53.6%. Her long-range accuracy adds a dangerous element to UMD's offense.
  • Lexi Karge (Jr., F): Karge is a key rebounder, pulling down 6.8 RPG (10th NSIC). Her presence in the paint adds toughness to UMD's lineup.
Team Insights
  • Offense: 72.7 PPG (5th NSIC), shooting 43.3% (3rd NSIC).
  • Defense: 76.4 PPG allowed (14th NSIC).
  • Three-Point Shooting: 36.2% (4th NSIC).
  • Rebounding: 37.5 RPG with a +4.3 margin (5th NSIC).

Cougars at a Glance

USF is playing its best basketball of the season, entering the weekend on a three-game win streak, including two dominant performances in Puerto Rico. The Cougars are led by their defense, allowing just 56.3 PPG (1st NSIC) and holding opponents to 25.0% from beyond the arc (1st NSIC).
Key Players to Watch
  • Kami Wadsworth (So., F): Wadsworth leads USF with 14.3 PPG and is one the NSIC's top free-throw shooter (87.9%). Her scoring ability is crucial for the Cougars.
  • Ayla Brown (So., G): Brown is a steady playmaker, averaging 8.4 PPG and leading the team with 22 assists.
  • Aby Phipps (Sr., F): Phipps provides stability in the post, averaging 7.0 PPG and 5.1 RPG. Her physical presence will be key against CSP's dominant frontcourt.
Team Insights
  • Offense: 71.6 PPG (6th NSIC), shooting 39.5% from the field.
  • Defense: Allowing 56.3 PPG (1st NSIC) with a +15.4 scoring margin.
  • Rebounding: 40.4 RPG (5th NSIC) with a +9.6 margin.

Head-to-Head History

  • Concordia-St. Paul: USF trails 8-17 all-time and is looking to end a seven-game losing streak. The Cougars' most decisive victory in the series was an 84-56 win in 2018.
  • Minnesota Duluth: USF trails 7-11 all-time and has not defeated the Bulldogs since 2016. Their last win was December 10th, 2016.

Keys to Victory for the Cougars

  1. Control the Boards: USF will need to match CSP's rebounding intensity and limit UMD's second-chance opportunities.
  2. Defensive Discipline: Against CSP's efficient scorers and UMD's three-point threats, the Cougars' league-best defensive numbers must hold strong.
  3. Balanced Scoring: USF's depth will be critical in both games, with contributions needed from everyone.

Fan Information

Join us at the Stewart Center this weekend to cheer on the Cougars as they face two exciting NSIC matchups!
                                                                       
 
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