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Momentum on the Line: Cougars Host Two of the NSIC’s Best Defenses

1/15/2025 11:05:00 AM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team (9-8, 5-5 NSIC) is set to host two crucial NSIC matchups this weekend. On Friday, the Cougars face the University of Mary Marauders (9-5, 6-4 NSIC) at 7:30 PM, followed by a Saturday contest against Northern State (10-6, 7-3 NSIC) at 5:30 PM. Riding a three-game winning streak, USF aims to continue climbing the NSIC standings at the Stewart Center, where they boast a 5-2 record this season. 

Scouting University of Mary Marauders 

The Marauders enter the game with momentum, having won five of their last seven contests. Their success stems from a defense ranked 2nd in the NSIC, allowing only 61.4 points per game. UMary's offense, led by sophomore guard Bergan Kinnebrew, averages 65.8 points (10th NSIC). Despite shooting just 37.0% from the field (14th NSIC), the Marauders excel in rebounding, averaging 40.2 boards per game (5th NSIC) with standout contributions from forward Moriku Hakim. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Bergan Kinnebrew: The sophomore guard leads UMary in scoring at 14.6 points per game while shooting 38.8% from the field. She's a clutch free-throw shooter, converting 83.6% of her attempts. 
  • Ryleigh Wacha: A versatile player, Wacha averages 8.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 40.9%. Her ability to defend and score makes her a key contributor. 
  • Addison Rozell: Rozell anchors the paint, contributing 5.7 rebounds and a team-best 1.5 blocks per game. Her efficiency in the post (46.8% FG) bolsters UMary's interior game. 

Scouting Northern State Wolves 

The Wolves (10-6, 7-3 NSIC) are one of the conference's top defensive teams, allowing just 63.6 points per game (3rd NSIC). Offensively, Northern State averages 71.4 points (5th NSIC) on a conference-best 44.6% shooting. Their rebounding dominance is notable, with a +8.3 margin (2nd NSIC), fueled by forward Michaela Jewett's strong inside play. Northern State's balanced scoring and depth make them a formidable opponent. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Madelyn Bragg: The Wolves' leading scorer, Bragg averages 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. She shoots 44.0% from the field and 78.6% from the free-throw line, making her a reliable presence in the paint. 
  • Michaela Jewett: Jewett contributes 11.5 points and leads the team with 8.3 rebounds per game. Her ability to stretch the floor with her mid-range shooting is a key part of Northern's offense. 
  • Rianna Fillipi: The graduate guard is the team's playmaker, averaging 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and a team-high 5.4 assists per game. Her versatility and leadership are critical for Northern's success. 

Cougars at a Glance 

USF has found its stride with three straight victories, improving to 9-8 overall and 5-5 in NSIC play. The Cougars average 74.2 points per game (4th NSIC) while shooting 42.3% from the field (5th). Led by sophomore forward Kami Wadsworth's 17.0 points per game, USF also boasts a strong three-point attack, shooting 36.5% (2nd NSIC). Their rebounding average of 36.9 per game (10th NSIC) and +3.8 rebounding margin (5th NSIC) are key factors in their recent success. 

Key Cougars to Watch 

  • Kami Wadsworth: The team's leading scorer at 17.0 points per game, Wadsworth also contributes 4.6 rebounds while shooting 45.6%. Her ability to drive to the basket and hit clutch free throws (84.8%) makes her USF's primary offensive weapon. 
  • Alexis Rose: Rose averages 10.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 39.3% from three-point range. Her defensive intensity (1.1 steals per game) also provides a spark. 
  • Ayla Brown: The Cougars' floor general, Brown averages 7.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Her ability to facilitate and hit timely shots is critical to USF's offense. 
  • Anna Vaaler: Vaaler averages 9.2 points while shooting 43.3%. Her three-point shooting (37.5%) adds an important perimeter element to USF's offense. 

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  • Control the Boards: Winning the rebounding battle against UMary and Northern State, two strong rebounding teams, will be crucial for extra scoring opportunities. 
  • Limit Turnovers: With UMary's defense averaging 8.3 steals per game, taking care of the ball will be critical to maintaining offensive rhythm. 
  • Defend the Paint: Slowing down interior threats like Bragg and Jewett will be key to limiting Northern State's scoring efficiency. 
  • Shoot Efficiently: USF's three-point shooters must capitalize on open looks to stretch defenses and create driving lanes for players like Wadsworth and Brown. 
  • Bench Impact: Depth contributions, particularly from players like Megan Fannin and Alexis Rose, will be essential to sustain energy in back-to-back games. 

Fan Information 

  • Tickets: Get your tickets 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 (@USFCougarsWBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsWBB). 
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