SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team secured a decisive 87-67 victory over MSU Moorhead, improving their record to 9-8 (5-5 NSIC) while dropping MSU Moorhead to 6-10 (4-6 NSIC). Kami Wadsworth led the charge with an outstanding 23-point performance. 

1st Quarter 

USF emerged with a slim 23-21 lead after a quarter of back-and-forth basketball. Wadsworth ignited the offense early with a stepback jumper, followed by Gracie Traphagen draining a three from the wing. The Dragons stayed close through their interior scoring, but Anna Vaaler's fast-break finish gave USF the edge. Ayla Brown's defensive pressure forced two key turnovers, converting one into a coast-to-coast finish. 

2nd Quarter 

USF's defense suffocated MSU Moorhead in the second, limiting them to just 8 points on 13.3% shooting. Vaaler sparked a 7-0 run with a corner triple, while Wadsworth added a physical finish at the rim. The Cougars' aggressive half-court defense led to Dragon turnovers, with Wadsworth getting easy transition bucket because of them. USF's dominance on the defensive glass, grabbing 8 rebounds, helped build their halftime lead to 37-29. 

3rd Quarter 

The Cougars blew the game open with a 26-16 third quarter surge. Brown's three-pointer from the corner started a run, followed by Aby Phipps who hit from nearly the identical spot. Alexis Rose split through the pressure moments later to find a streaking Vaaler at the rim. The quarter ended with USF in command at 63-45. 

4th Quarter 

USF maintained control through the final frame, outpacing the Dragons 24-22. Rose got open with a stepback, drilling the three in her defender's face to give the Coo a 20-point advantage. Brown continued to connect from downtown, and Rose was a problem for the Dragons as she continued to get by the full-court press. Traphagen hit the final basket from way downtown to give the Cougars the weekend sweep.

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goal Efficiency: USF dominated from the field (55.4%) and three-point range (11-20, 55%), significantly outperforming MSU Moorhead's 35.5% and 30.4% respectively. 

• Free Throw Success: The Cougars demonstrated consistency at the line, converting 14 of 20 attempts for a solid 70% success rate. 

• Rebounding Dominance: USF's commanding presence on the glass resulted in 33 total rebounds, including 26 defensive boards. 

• Defensive Pressure: The Cougars' aggressive defense forced 19 turnovers from MSU Moorhead, converting these opportunities into 18 crucial points. 

• Points Distribution: USF's balanced offensive attack featured five players scoring eight or more points. 

Key Coo 

• Kami Wadsworth: Dominated with 23 points while adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists. 

• Ayla Brown: Delivered a balanced stat line of 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. 

• Anna Vaaler: Contributed 14 points and 4 rebounds. 

• Alexis Rose: Posted 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. 

• Aby Phipps: Added 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

Up Next 

The Cougars will extend their home series with two games next weekend at the Stewart Center. On Friday at 7:30 PM, they will face the U-Mary Marauders in the SAAC Game of the Month. Saturday's game, starting at 5:30 PM, will feature the Cougars against the Northern State Wolves and will include a special Alumni Night to welcome back former players. 

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