SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - In a thrilling upset, the Sioux Falls Cougars defeated the 11th-ranked Minnesota Bulldogs 71-68, with Kenji Scales leading the charge. Scales was spectacular, scoring a team-high 23 points on a perfect 5-for-5 performance from three-point range. His clutch free-throw shooting, converting 6 critical points in the game's tense final minutes, was instrumental in sealing the victory.
1st Half
After Minnesota-Duluth's opening three-pointer, USF quickly countered with Kenji Scales launching a deep triple that electrified the crowd and sparked a decisive 14-4 run. Shawn Warrior followed with a lightning-fast transition layup, and Brandon Hrncir extended the Cougars' momentum with a perfectly placed three-pointer, assisted by a pass from Taylen Ashley.
The Cougars established dominance in the paint early, with Ashley and Creighton Morisch executing back-to-back layups that propelled USF to a commanding 12-5 lead. Scales' smooth jumper and Noah Puetz's contribution added depth to the Cougars' offensive assault, while Hrncir's additional three-pointer stretched their advantage to 19-11.
Scales caught fire, draining consecutive three-pointers that gave USF an 11-point cushion. Warrior's explosive fastbreak layup punctuated a decisive run, firmly establishing the Cougars' control at 24-11.
The first half reached its crescendo with USF's relentless energy. Scales, continuing his remarkable shooting display, sank his fourth three-pointer of the half, expanding the lead to 34-16. The Cougars' suffocating defense forced turnovers and contested almost every shot, with Hrncir and Warrior dominating the boards and creating additional pressure. The Bulldogs were able to claw away at the lead before half, with a 13-2 run, but the Cougars still lead going into the break 36-29.
2nd Half
The Cougars erupted out of the with explosive energy from the start, as Scales launched a fastbreak three-pointer—a precision shot facilitated by Ashley's assist. Kyle Ingwerson quickly amplified the momentum, converting a crafty layup in the paint after Warrior's relentless second-chance effort. Warrior then showcased his versatility, scoring a powerful putback layup and subsequently earning two free throws after drawing a hard foul, propelling USF to a 12-point lead early in the half.
Duluth fought to claw back, but Morisch emerged as a defensive stalwart, snatching crucial rebounds and transforming defensive stops into lightning-quick transition opportunities. Warrior punctuated the defensive intensity with a thunderous block that sent a roar through the arena, denying a Bulldog layup attempt. Despite Duluth's determined comeback that brought the game to a 45-45 deadlock, the Coo were not going to give in.
Under mounting pressure, Scales showed composure, converting technical free throws to restore a slim margin. Moments later, Morisch capitalized on another second-chance opportunity, scoring an interior basket off a slick Scales assist. The Cougars' relentless effort continued as Puetz executed a crafty layup, extending the lead to four with just over 10 minutes remaining in the contest.
The game's final stretch became a pressure-cooker of intensity. Duluth's desperate full-court press threatened to unravel USF's lead, bringing them perilously close to a single-possession deficit. Ingwerson emerged as a clutch performer, drilling a momentum-shifting three-pointer that electrified the crowd and momentarily halted Duluth's rally. Warrior's defensive tenacity proved crucial, systematically denying the Bulldogs any second-chance opportunities and disrupting their offensive rhythm.
In the most critical moments, the Cougars' composure shone brightest. Morisch transformed into a defensive juggernaut, blocking multiple Bulldog attempts in the paint and securing game-defining rebounds. Ingwerson's critical free throw edged USF ahead by one point, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. As the clock wound down, USF executed with precision, their collective resolve and strategic play ultimately overwhelming Duluth's late-game surge. The Cougars sealed a memorable victory, triumphantly defeating the nationally ranked Bulldogs with a hard-fought 71-68 win.
Key Team Stats
Key Coo
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Shawn Warrior: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
Up Next
The Cougars are set for next weekend's NSIC road matchups against (RV) Winona State and Minnesota State Mankato. They'll take on the Warriors on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a clash with the Mavericks on Saturday, December 14, also at 7:30 p.m.
For all things USF Men's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram and Twitter!
