SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Cougars (9-7, 5-5 NSIC) secured a thrilling 81-76 victory over the MSU Moorhead Dragons (10-6, 5-5 NSIC) in a game that showcased offensive firepower from both sides. Led by Kenji Scales' 20-point performance, the Cougars placed six players in double figures en route to the conference win. 

1st Half  

The Dragons came out firing, establishing an early rhythm with precise ball movement that found gaps in the Cougars' defense. Despite MSU Moorhead's efficient shooting (51.9%), Sioux Falls responded with a balanced attack of their own. Kyle Ingwerson demonstrated his scoring touch with a smooth baseline jumper over his defender, while Shawn Warrior consistently attacked the rim with a dynamic blend of power and finesse. 

The Cougars' perimeter shooting proved crucial early, as Jacoby Mehrman connected from the wing before Noah Puetz buried a deep three-pointer. Sioux Falls' defensive intensity surged in the final five minutes, generating key turnovers that led to transition opportunities. Their improved shot selection (44.8%) and defensive effort helped them overcome the Dragons' hot shooting to take a 37-35 lead into halftime. 

2nd Half 

Sioux Falls emerged from the break with renewed defensive intensity, disrupting the Dragons' offensive flow with aggressive perimeter pressure. Ingwerson ignited the Cougars' offense with two quick three-pointers, before Taylen Ashley took center stage, draining consecutive threes over Dragon defenders and adding a crucial drive to the rim. Scales then sealed the victory with clutch free-throw shooting, displaying remarkable poise down the stretch. 

The Cougars' execution in their half-court (48.5% second-half shooting) and transition game (18 fast-break points) proved decisive. Their defensive adjustments limited MSU Moorhead to 43.8% shooting in the second half, helping secure the 81-76 win. 

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goal Percentage: Sioux Falls and MSU Moorhead both shot 47.5% from the field, highlighting the evenly matched nature of the game. 

• Three-Point Percentage: The Dragons had a slight edge with 41.7% compared to the Cougars' 36.0%, but Sioux Falls made more three-pointers overall. 

• Free Throw Percentage: Both teams were highly efficient from the free-throw line, with MSU Moorhead at 83.3% and Sioux Falls at 82.4%. 

• Points from Turnovers: The Cougars scored 13 points off turnovers, while the Dragons scored none, which was a significant factor in USF's victory. 

• Fast Break Points: Sioux Falls dominated in transition, scoring 18 fast break points compared to MSU Moorhead's 5. 

Key Coo 

• Kenji Scales: Contributed 20 points, going a perfect 8-8 from the FT line and added 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. 

• Shawn Warrior: Added 13 points to go along with his 7 rebounds and 4 assists. 

• Creighton Morisch: Scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. 

• Taylen Ashley: Scored 10 points, providing key baskets in the second half. 

• Noah Puetz: Finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Up Next 

The Cougars men's team is set to continue their home series with two exciting games next weekend at the Stewart Center. They will kick off the action on Friday at 5:30 PM against the U-Mary Marauders in the SAAC Game of the Month. Then, on Saturday at 3:30 PM, the Cougars will face the Northern State Wolves, with a special Alumni Night to honor and welcome back former players. 

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