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Home Court Advantage: Cougars Look to Extend Win Streak Against Marauders and Wolves

1/15/2025 11:00:00 AM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team (9-7, 5-5 NSIC) continues its homestand with two critical NSIC matchups. On Friday, the Cougars face the University of Mary Marauders (4-15, 2-8 NSIC) at 5:30 PM, followed by a Saturday afternoon contest against Northern State (1-15, 0-10 NSIC) at 3:30 PM. Riding a three-game winning streak, USF aims to solidify its position in the NSIC standings with strong performances at the Stewart Center. 

Scouting University of Mary Marauders 

The Marauders enter with a 4-15 overall record (2-8 NSIC) and are on a six-game losing streak. Offensively, UMary averages 65.4 points per game (15th in NSIC) while allowing 77.8 points (13th NSIC). The team's struggles extend to shooting, with a 41.5% field-goal percentage (14th) and 30.9% from three-point range (15th). UMary's rebounding margin (-4.5) ranks 14th, highlighting their challenges on the boards. They do excel in forcing turnovers, averaging 6.8 steals per game (6th NSIC), led by standout guard Jeremiah Jones. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • #4 Jeremiah Jones: The Marauders' most impactful player on both ends of the court, Jones leads UMary in scoring (11.3 PPG), rebounds (5.9 RPG), and steals (2.3 SPG). His ability to disrupt passing lanes and create transition opportunities gives UMary a fighting chance in low-scoring games. Offensively, Jones relies on attacking the rim and drawing contact but needs to improve his shooting efficiency (39.7%). 
  • #14 Ty Rogers: A consistent scoring threat in the frontcourt, Rogers averages 11.1 points while shooting 46.5% from the field. Though undersized for his position, he uses his quickness to exploit mismatches and can stretch the floor with a developing mid-range jumper. His ability to finish at the rim makes him a key target in UMary's half-court offense. 
  • #2 Kevin McGaskey: The Marauders' primary facilitator, McGaskey averages 10.6 points and 3.4 assists per game. Known for his court vision and knack for drawing defenders, McGaskey is vital to UMary's offensive rhythm. His 79.6% free-throw shooting underscores his value in tight games. 

Scouting Northern State Wolves 

The Wolves come into the weekend with a 1-15 overall record (0-10 NSIC) and a 12-game losing streak. Northern State averages 66.4 points per game (14th in NSIC) while allowing 76.0 points (11th NSIC). The Wolves shoot 43.4% from the field (13th NSIC) and 35.1% from beyond the arc (6th NSIC). Despite their struggles, Northern State boasts several talented players and ranks 8th in blocked shots (3.0 per game). Their rebounding margin (-3.6) and free-throw percentage (61.2%, last in NSIC) have been significant areas of concern. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • #4 James Glenn: Glenn is Northern State's offensive leader, averaging 13.1 points per game. A capable three-point shooter (37.6%), he can also score in the mid-range and create off the dribble. Glenn is also a solid distributor, averaging 3.6 assists per game. With his mix of scoring and playmaking, Glenn is the engine of the Wolves' attack. 
  • #3 Marcus Burks: Burks is a versatile player who contributes across multiple categories, averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His ability to fill gaps on both ends of the court makes him a key piece in Northern's game plan. Burks also provides stability by playing a team-high 34.3 minutes per game. 
  • #21 Kaleb Mitchell: A strong interior presence, Mitchell averages 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He's a reliable scorer around the basket and Northern State's best defender in the paint. His ability to alter shots and secure boards will be critical in this matchup. 

Cougars at a Glance 

USF enters the weekend with a 9-7 overall record (5-5 NSIC) and a three-game winning streak. The Cougars average 76.4 points per game (5th NSIC) while allowing 73.6 points (10th NSIC). They lead the NSIC in assists per game (16.4) and rank second in both rebounding margin (+7.1) and offensive rebounds per game (11.6). The Cougars' efficient three-point shooting (37.4%, 1st NSIC) has been a major strength, complementing their balanced scoring attack. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • #4 Noah Puetz: Puetz has been the Cougars' go-to scorer, averaging 13.7 points per game on 47.0% shooting. He's particularly dangerous from beyond the arc (39.6%) and has a knack for hitting timely shots. Puetz also contributes 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, providing versatility in multiple areas. 
  • #0 Taylen Ashley: Ashley adds explosiveness to the Cougars' backcourt with his ability to score in transition and from deep (40.3% from three). Averaging 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, Ashley is a key playmaker who thrives when the game speeds up. 
  • #23 Creighton Morisch: A dominant presence in the paint, Morisch leads USF in rebounding (9.0 RPG) while contributing 11.4 points per game on 51.1% shooting. His ability to control the boards and protect the rim (1.0 blocks per game) will be crucial against teams that struggle inside. 
  • #3 Shawn Warrior: Warrior provides toughness on both ends of the floor, averaging 10.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. His defensive hustle and ability to finish through contact make him a valuable asset in physical matchups. 
  • #5 Kenji Scales: Scales is a sharpshooting spark off the bench, averaging 7.6 points while hitting 50.0% from three. His ability to stretch the defense and knock down open looks can swing momentum in the Cougars' favor.  

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  1. Dominate the Boards: USF's rebounding margin (+7.1) is a major strength and should be leveraged against UMary (-4.5) and Northern State (-3.6). Securing offensive rebounds will create second-chance opportunities and disrupt the opposition's flow. 
  2. Defensive Pressure on Guards: Containing Jeremiah Jones for UMary and James Glenn for Northern State will be critical. Limiting their ability to penetrate and create for teammates will force these teams into tougher shots. 
  3. Three-Point Efficiency: USF leads the NSIC in three-point shooting (37.4%). Capitalizing on open looks, especially against UMary's struggling perimeter defense (35.7%, 14th NSIC), can create separation early. 
  4. Transition Opportunities: Both UMary and Northern State have struggled offensively, and USF can exploit turnovers or missed shots to push the pace and score in transition. 
  5. Ball Security: Avoiding unnecessary turnovers against UMary's aggressive defense (6.8 steals per game) will be crucial in maintaining offensive rhythm. 

Fan Information 

  • Tickets: Get your tickets for this weekend here. 
  • Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network. 
  • Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here. 
  • Radio: Tune in to KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM with Tom Frederick on the call. 
  • Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsMBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsMBB). 
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