SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls secured a commanding 79-68 victory over Minnesota-Duluth, fueled by Anna Vaaler's sharpshooting performance. Vaaler caught fire from beyond the arc, sinking five threes on her way to a game-high 21 points. Kami Wadsworth and Ayla Brown also delivered standout performances, adding 19 and 18 points respectively to power the Cougars to the win. 

1st Quarter 

Minnesota-Duluth came out aggressive, quickly building an early lead and putting pressure on the University of Sioux Falls. The Cougars, however, gradually found their footing and began chipping away at the deficit. 

Dani Minsaas got USF on the board with a jumper, making it 4-2. Wadsworth then added free throws and a three-pointer, helping narrow the gap. Brown and Alexis Rose continued the momentum with layups, while Vaaler drilled a three-pointer that brought the Cougars within three points. 

By the end of the quarter, Wadsworth and Aby Phipps added key baskets, but Minnesota-Duluth still maintained their lead, ending the period 24-18. 

2nd Quarter 

USF opened the second quarter with a quick strike from beyond the arc as Vaaler drained a three-pointer, bringing the score to 24-21. Brown followed up with a smooth jumper to keep the Cougars within striking distance. 

Vaaler continued her hot streak with a fastbreak three-pointer that tied the game at 26. Brown answered later with another three-pointer, narrowing the score to 30-29, and then gave USF its first lead with a layup. Rose extended the advantage with a three-pointer. 

USF continued its surge as Phipps and Wadsworth added layups, building on the lead. Megan Fannin drilled a deep shot to further distance the Cougars. Despite late attempts by Minnesota-Duluth, USF closed the half strong, maintaining a comfortable 45-37 lead. 

The Cougars' offensive balance and timely three-point shooting were pivotal in flipping the script, outscoring the Bulldogs 27-13 in the frame. 

3rd Quarter 

Minnesota-Duluth came out strong to start the third quarter, hitting a jumper to cut USF's lead to 45-39 just seconds in. After a pair of free throws brought the Bulldogs within four, the Cougars responded with a key layup by Wadsworth, extending their lead to 47-41. 

Moments later, Vaaler knocked down another three-pointer, pushing USF's lead to 50-41. Though Minnesota-Duluth managed some points, Vaaler continued her stellar quarter with another three-pointer, widening the gap to 53-43. 

Gracie Traphagen added to the scoring with a three of her own, and the Bulldogs fought back late in the quarter. Duluth scored five straight points, including a three-pointer, to close the gap to 56-50. A final layup by the Bulldogs trimmed USF's lead to 56-52 heading into the fourth quarter. 

4th Quarter 

The Cougars delivered a strong finish in the fourth quarter to secure a thrilling victory, fueled by a balanced offense and clutch plays. USF started the period hot with Wadsworth's layup, followed by Brown draining a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 61-52. Despite a brief UMD rally, the Cougars maintained control, with Vaaler and Brown combining for key baskets to keep the Bulldogs at bay. 

Brown showcased her shooting prowess late in the game, hitting consecutive three-pointers, including one assisted by Traphagen, to extend the lead to double digits at 71-61. Wadsworth and Rose added crucial points in the paint to keep the pressure on Minnesota-Duluth. 

UMD's efforts to close the gap were met with staunch Cougar defense, highlighted by a late block from Rose. Brown sealed the game with two free throws off a fast break, giving USF an 11-point cushion. The Cougars' ability to capitalize on turnovers and hit timely shots ensured a commanding 79-68 victory. 

Key Team Stats 

• The Deep Ball: The Coo were HOT from deep, hitting 13 threes on 27 attempts for a 48.1% three-point percentage. 

• Second Chance Points: The Cougars outrebounded Duluth 32 to 24, and their nine offensive rebounds turned into 14 second-chance points. 

• Free Throws: Sioux Falls went a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line. 

Key Coo 

• Anna Vaaler: 21 points (5-8 3PT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals 

• Kami Wadsworth: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block 

• Ayla Brown: 18 points (4-6 3PT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block 

• Aby Phipps: 6 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block 

Up Next 

The Cougars are back on the road next weekend! They'll face Winona State on Friday, December 13, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a showdown with #16 Minnesota State Mankato on Saturday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m. 

For all things USF Women's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram and Twitter!