SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A dominant offensive performance led the Sioux Falls Cougars to a convincing 96-73 win against Minot State Beavers at the Stewart Center, bringing their record to 8-8 (4-5 NSIC) while the Beavers fell to 4-12 (3-6 NSIC). The game featured an outstanding shooting display from Megan Fannin, who poured in 29 points including a remarkable 9-of-12 shooting from three-point range. 

1st Quarter 

The Cougars established their presence early with sharp perimeter shooting. Anna Vaaler opened the scoring with a crafty layup, followed by an Alexis Rose three-pointer that energized the crowd. Fannin then found her rhythm, connecting on her first three-pointer just before the media timeout. 

Coming out of the break, Fannin caught fire, draining back-to-back threes to push the Cougars ahead 14-9. Though the Beavers fought back to tie the game, Aby Phipps' decisive layup gave USF an 18-16 edge heading into the second quarter. 

2nd Quarter 

The second quarter was a battle between these two teams, trading baskets the entire quarter. Ayla Brown converted a big time and-one early in the period. Vaaler connected on a jumper and Kami Wadsworth continued her hot streak at the free throw line. The Beavers pulled ahead 30-26, but a Fannin layup and a Rose three allowed them to regain the lead. Cougar free throws and another Rose layup kept them ahead going into halftime with a 38-35 lead. 

3rd Quarter 

USF caught fire in the third, overwhelming the Beavers 29-19 behind exceptional shooting. Fannin put on a show, hitting 3 three-pointers in a two minute stretch, sending the fans to their feet. Rose also drilled a pair from long range and combined with Wadsworth's free throws, the Cougars pulled ahead 67-54 by the end of the third. 

4th Quarter 

The Cougars closed out strong with another 29-point quarter to seal the victory. The Rose-Fannin duo continued their offensive onslaught with a mix of three-pointers and drives to the basket. USF's bench maintained the high level of play, contributing meaningful minutes and points throughout the final period.  Defensively, Sioux Falls remained relentless, challenging shooters and controlling the rebounds. The home crowd's energy surged as the lead ballooned to 25 points late in the contest. The Cougars closed out the comprehensive 96-73 victory with confidence and poise.   

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goal Percentage: USF shot an efficient 49.2% from the field, outpacing Minot's 41.9%. 

• Three-Point Shooting: The Cougars drained 16 three-pointers on 51.6% shooting, a standout team effort. 

• Rebounding Battle: Sioux Falls controlled the glass, holding a 36-29 rebounding advantage. 

• Bench Contribution: USF's depth shone, with the bench outscoring Minot's 61-13. 

• Turnovers: The Cougars turned Minot's 10 turnovers into 13 crucial points. 

Key Coo 

• Megan Fannin: Led all scorers with 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 9-of-12 from three-point range. 

• Alexis Rose: Recorded an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding 4 assists and 4-of-6 shooting from deep. 

• Kami Wadsworth: Contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while shooting 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. 

• Ayla Brown: Finished with 7 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals in 35 minutes as the team's floor general. 

Up Next 

The Cougars come back tomorrow afternoon to take on the MSU-Moorhead Dragons in a clash at the Stewart Center at 3:30pm. 

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