SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls fell in their top 25 matchup against the #19 Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears 63-79. Kami Wadsworth led the way for the Cougars, getting 19 points and 6 rebounds.

1st Quarter
The Cougars came out strong, with Ayla Brown driving to the basket for a layup to tie the game early at 2-2. Sioux Falls took their first lead when Kami Wadsworth sank two free throws, making it 5-4. Wadsworth remained a force in the paint, adding a layup to extend the lead to 10-6. Megan Fannin provided a highlight with a three-pointer off a Brown assist, pushing the score to 15-11 late in the quarter. The Cougars showcased a balanced offensive attack and strong interior play, closing the period tied at 15.

2nd Quarter
Sioux Falls continued to battle, with Alexis Rose driving to the basket for a layup to tie the game at 17-17 early on. Wadsworth converted crucial free throws at multiple points, keeping the Cougars within striking distance. Dani Minsaas added a three-pointer assisted by Brown, bringing some energy to the team. Despite their continued efforts, the Golden Bears began to pull away. Fannin hit a timely three-pointer off another Brown assist, but Concordia-St. Paul had built a 40-33 halftime lead.

3rd Quarter
The third quarter revealed the mounting challenges for the Cougars. At 7:56, Anna Vaaler connected on a jumper, followed by subsequent plays that pushed the score to 51-37. Wadsworth tried to keep the team competitive, scoring a jumper with an assist from Brecli Honner, and a layup assisted by Gracie Traphagen. Minsaas added a layup assisted by Brown, but the Golden Bears continued to dominate. By the quarter's end, Concordia-St. Paul had extended their lead to 70-51, with Rose's half-court three-pointer at the buzzer providing a brief moment of excitement.

4th Quarter
In a final push, the Cougars refused to surrender completely. Honner hit a three-pointer, and Rose continued to battle. Vaaler's three-pointer helped bring some life to the team, cutting the deficit slightly. Fannin and Wadsworth continued to fight, but the early deficit proved too substantial to overcome. The final score was 79-63 in Concordia-St. Paul's favor, despite the Cougars' persistent efforts to stay competitive.

Key Team Stats

• Paint Presence: Sioux Falls scored 28 points in the paint, with Wadsworth and Phipps leading the way.
• Turnovers: Sioux Falls' 15 turnovers led to 19 points for the Golden Bears, a critical difference in the game.
• Fourth-Quarter Defense: The Cougars held CSP to just 9 points in the final frame, forcing turnovers and contesting shots effectively.

Key Coo

• Kami Wadsworth: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 7-for-9 free throws
• Megan Fannin: 10 points, 2 three-pointers
• Dani Minsaas: 5 points, 3 steals
• Ayla Brown: 4 points, 7 assists
• Alexis Rose: 8 points, 3 rebounds

Up Next
The Cougars host the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs tomorrow afternoon, December 7^th at 3:30 p.m. in the Stewart Center.
 
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