SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Cougars (10-7, 6-5 NSIC) secured a gritty 80-74 victory over the visiting UMary Marauders (4-16, 2-9 NSIC) at the Stewart Center Thursday night. Led by Creighton Morisch's dominant 19-point, 15-rebound performance and clutch shooting down the stretch, the Cougars withstood a late rally to claim their 10th win of the season 

1st Half  

The Cougars showcased their offensive firepower early, scorching the nets at a 63.6% clip in the opening frame. Morisch set the tone immediately, draining a pull-up jumper on the game's first possession before Taylen Ashley ignited the fast break for a quick 6-4 advantage. The Cougars' momentum continued building as Shawn Warrior muscled his way to two interior baskets, while Kyle Ingwerson's precision from deep stretched the defense. 

Kenji Scales provided an electric spark off the bench, drilling a momentum-shifting three-pointer off a turnover and finishing an acrobatic dunk. Morisch's dominance on both ends peaked with a thunderous fast-break slam following a defensive stop, helping the Cougars build a 46-35 halftime advantage while nearing a double-double with 12 points and eight rebounds. 

2nd Half 

The Marauders mounted their comeback bid early after intermission, trimming the deficit to single digits. Sioux Falls weathered the storm behind Morisch's commanding presence in the paint and Ingwerson's marksmanship, as the sharpshooter connected on two crucial three-pointers to halt UMary's surge. Warrior's transition finish and Scales' timely triple helped maintain a double-digit buffer. 

Despite a pair of late three-pointers from the Marauders threatening the lead, Sioux Falls maintained its composure down the stretch. Ashley's bullet pass to Morisch with three minutes remaining proved pivotal, while Puetz calmly sank crucial free throws in the closing moments to preserve the 80-74 triumph. 

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goal Percentage: The Cougars' efficient offense connected on 55.4% from the field, including a sharp 42.1% from beyond the arc. 

• Rebounding: Sioux Falls dominated the glass with a 42-32 advantage, securing 11 offensive boards. 

• Assists: The Cougars' unselfish play resulted in 19 assists on the night. 

• Points in the Paint: A 38-34 edge inside demonstrated the Cougars' interior superiority. 

• Fast-Break Points: Sioux Falls capitalized on 17 UMary turnovers for 18 transition points. 

Key Coo 

• Creighton Morisch: Delivered a masterful performance with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in 34 minutes. 

• Kyle Ingwerson: Connected on 4-of-6 from deep en route to 16 points, adding 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. 

• Kenji Scales: Provided 13 crucial points off the bench with 2 steals and 2 assists. 

• Shawn Warrior: Contributed a well-rounded line of 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. 

• Taylen Ashley: Orchestrated the offense with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

Up Next 

The Cougars are back at the Stewart Center tomorrow, January 18th, for a showdown against the Northern State Wolves at 3:30 PM. Don't miss out on the action and join us as we celebrate our amazing alumni! 

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