SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls fell to the Golden Bears 69-97, struggling with their shooting throughout the game. The Cougars posted just 32% from the field and 19% from beyond the arc.
1st Half
The first half saw Concordia-St. Paul establish a decisive advantage over Sioux Falls, controlling the game's tempo and momentum.
Taylen Ashley provided an early spark for the Cougars with a jumper and a drive to the basket, but Concordia quickly responded, building a substantial lead that reached 20-8 midway through the half.
Kenji Scales attempted to generate some offensive rhythm for Sioux Falls, connecting on a jumper and helping to create scoring opportunities.
Kyle Ingwerson added a pair of layups, with one assisted by
Creighton Morisch, which temporarily slowed Concordia's offensive onslaught. However, the Golden Bears maintained their comfortable margin, pushing the score to 30-16.
As the half progressed, Concordia continued to assert its dominance. Morisch contributed with a timely tip-in and a contested layup in the paint, helping to keep the Cougars within striking distance. Despite his efforts, Concordia expanded their lead to 43-26, showcasing their offensive prowess.
In the closing minutes, Scales converted several free throws following a technical foul, providing a small measure of momentum for Sioux Falls. At the half, Concordia led 52-35, having controlled most aspects of the game.
2nd Half
Scales initiated the Cougars' response with a timely three-pointer early in the half, providing a momentary spark against Concordia's established lead. Ashley followed with a determined drive to the basket, cutting through the defense for a layup that briefly raised the team's competitive spirit.
Brandon Hrncir emerged as a key contributor during this stretch, connecting on a three-pointer—set up by Ashley's assist—and adding points from the free-throw line.
Jacoby Mehrman complemented the offensive effort with a layup and a mid-range jumper, helping to maintain offensive pressure and prevent Concordia from completely pulling away.
Adam Scherbakov helped offensively with a jumper and a three-pointer, while Ingwerson added to the Cougars' scoring with a three-pointer of his own—assisted by Scherbakov—and subsequent free throws. The half concluded with a highlight-reel moment from Hrncir, who executed a powerful dunk off an assist from Mehrman.
Josh Baker punctuated the game's final seconds with a layup, providing a positive closing note for Sioux Falls. Ultimately, Concordia secured a decisive 97-69 victory.
Key Team Stats
- Points in the Paint: Concordia-St. Paul dominated with 52 points compared to Sioux Falls' 36.
- Field Goal Percentage: Concordia shot 55.7% from the field, while Sioux Falls managed 32.0%.
- Turnovers: Sioux Falls committed 17 turnovers, leading to 26 points for Concordia.
Key Coo
- Kenji Scales: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
- Brandon Hrncir: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
- Taylen Ashley: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
- Creighton Morisch: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
- Kyle Ingwerson: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Up Next
The Cougars host the #11 Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs tomorrow night, December 7
th at 5:30 p.m. in the Stewart Center.
Â
For all things USF Men's Basketball, be sure to download the
USF Cougars app as well as follow along on
Instagram and
Twitter!
Â