ST. CLOUD, MINN. – Sioux Falls (11-9, 7-6 NSIC) pulled out a thrilling 71-65 victory over St. Cloud State (10-8, 7-6 NSIC) on Saturday night at Halenbeck Hall. Despite a turnover-heavy start, the Cougars relied on career performances from Kami Wadsworth and Aby Phipps, along with a second-half three-point barrage led by Megan Fannin, to secure the win. 

1st Quarter:  

The game opened with a flurry of turnovers from both teams, as Sioux Falls committed six turnovers in the first quarter alone. However, the Cougars found their rhythm behind Kami Wadsworth, who scored 10 points in the frame on 4-of-6 shooting. Sioux Falls' defense limited St. Cloud State to just 18.8% shooting in the quarter, helping the Cougars establish a 17-11 lead. 

2nd Quarter: 

Offensive struggles defined the second quarter for Sioux Falls, as they shot just 25% from the field and managed only eight points. St. Cloud State took advantage, outscoring the Cougars 19-8 in the period to grab a slim halftime lead. Despite the challenges, Aby Phipps made her presence felt on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds to keep the game within reach. At halftime, Sioux Falls trailed 30-25. 

3rd Quarter:  

The Cougars erupted offensively in the third quarter, scoring a staggering 31 points on 71.4% shooting from the field. Megan Fannin led the charge, hitting 3 three-pointers in the period, while Wadsworth continued her strong play with timely drives and finishes. Sioux Falls' ball movement and perimeter shooting overwhelmed St. Cloud State's defense, allowing the Cougars to turn a five-point deficit into a 56-48 lead heading into the fourth quarter. 

4th Quarter:  

St. Cloud State mounted a late rally, cutting the Cougars' lead to as little as two points with under thirty seconds to play. However, Sioux Falls maintained their composure, with Ayla Brown and Phipps converting crucial free throws to seal the game. Phipps capped her night with a career-high 17 rebounds, dominating the glass and ensuring second-chance opportunities for the Cougars. Sioux Falls held on for the 71-65 win in a gritty road performance. 

Key Team Stats 

• Rebounding Edge: Dominated the glass with 46 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. 

• Second-Half Surge: Scored 46 points in the second half, shooting 57.1% from the field. 

• Three-Point Shooting: Connected on 6-of-7 threes in the third quarter, finishing 8-of-18 (44.4%) for the game. 

• Turnovers: Committed 22 turnovers but limited their impact with strong defensive efforts. 

• Points in the Paint: Scored 34 points inside, showcasing physicality and efficiency around the rim. 

Key Coo 

• Kami Wadsworth: Tied her career high with 27 points on 11-of-21 shooting, along with four rebounds and three assists. 

• Aby Phipps: Achieved a career-high 17 rebounds to go along with 10 points and three assists. 

• Megan Fannin: Scored 12 points, all from beyond the arc, going 4-of-7 from three-point range. 

• Alexis Rose: Added seven points, six rebounds, and four assists while playing 32 minutes. 

Up Next 

The Cougars continue north, where they'll take on the Bemidji State Beavers tomorrow night at 5:30pm in the BSU Gymnasium.  

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