Sioux Falls, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team fell to Minnesota Duluth 73-69 in the first round of the NSIC Tournament. The Cougars finished the year 9-18 and 7-15 in conference play.

Duluth and USF played a tight game throughout. That started in the first quarter with USF winning the opening period 21-16. The Cougars shot 40% from the field and went 3-7 from behind the 3 point line. UMD shot 50% from the field and only made 1 3-pointer going 1-5. Duluth would storm back in the 2nd quarter as they won the period 23-11. The Bulldogs shot 57% from the field and went 3-4 from the 3 point line. USF struggled on the offensive end shooting 33% from the field and 0-2 from 3. UMD took a 39-32 lead into the halftime break.

The Cougars came out of the halftime locker room ready to go. They won the 3rd period 20-14 while shooting 57% from the field and going 0-4 from deep. The Cougar defense was turned up in this quarter as they held Duluth to 28% shooting from the field and 20% from the 3 point line. The Bulldogs would turn it around in the 4th quarter. They won the final period 20-17 to hold on for the win. USF shot 30% from the field and 33% from the 3 point line while UMD caught fire and shot 53% from the field and 1-1 on 3s. The Coo had 36 points in the paint compared to 32 for UMD while Duluth had 18 points off of USF turnovers. The Cougars won the rebounding battle 39-30 and got 26 points off the bench compared to only 15 for Duluth. 

LEADERS

Kami Wadsworth paced USF in scoring with 19 points. Madison Wuebben poured in 16 and Ayla Brown added 14 points. 

Wadsworth also led the Cougars in rebounding as she recorded a double double with 11 rebounds to go along with her 19 points. Brown also had a good game on the glass as she grabbed 8 rebounds. 

Ayla Brown led USF in assists with 4. Wadsworth also added 2 assists. Wadsworth played 35 minutes to lead USF and Brown played 33 minutes as well. 

UP NEXT

The Cougars thank you for your continued support throughout the season. Go Coo!