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Road and Home Challenges Await USF Men’s Basketball This Weekend

1/29/2025 9:52:00 AM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team (11-9, 7-7 NSIC) prepares for a pivotal weekend in NSIC play, with two tough matchups against Wayne State (13-7, 7-7 NSIC) on Thursday at 5:30 PM and #13 Southwest Minnesota State (17-3, 12-2 NSIC) on Saturday at 3:30 PM. Both games present unique challenges, as Wayne State boasts an aggressive, defense-first approach, while SMSU has proven to be one of the most efficient and disciplined teams in the conference. 

USF enters the weekend looking to bounce back after two tough losses. With the NSIC standings tightening as the postseason approaches, this weekend offers the Cougars a chance to reclaim momentum and strengthen their positioning. Wayne State and SMSU are both known for their ability to control the tempo of games, meaning USF's ability to dictate pace, execute in the half-court, and leverage their rebounding advantage will be crucial to their success. 

Scouting the Wayne State Wildcats 

Wayne State is one of the hottest teams in the NSIC, entering this matchup on a five-game winning streak. The Wildcats sit at 13-7 overall and 7-7 in conference play, putting them in a direct tie with USF in the standings. Known for their defensive prowess, Wayne State allows just 66.0 points per game (3rd in the NSIC) and excels at pressuring opponents into mistakes. They lead the conference in steals per game (9.6) and turnovers forced per game (14.3). Their aggressive defense is anchored by a mix of quick guards and a physical frontcourt, making them a nightmare matchup for teams that rely on ball movement. 

Offensively, Wayne State is efficient but not explosive, averaging 73.8 points per game (10th NSIC). They shoot 46.7% from the field (5th NSIC) and rely on high-percentage looks created off turnovers or through disciplined offense. They also take excellent care of the basketball, averaging just 10.0 turnovers per game (2nd NSIC). Wayne State's ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes and maintain their own composure has been key to their recent success. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Matt Noll: Noll leads the Wildcats in scoring with 14.2 points per game, shooting an impressive 54.2% from the field. He also adds 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, making him a versatile two-way player. 

  • Cody McCullough: McCullough is a dominant presence inside, averaging 12.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 57.8% from the floor. He also leads the team in blocks (1.1 per game). 

  • JJ Ferrin: Ferrin contributes 11.9 points per game and is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, knocking down 2.3 three-pointers per game at a 35.1% clip. 

Historical Matchup vs. Wayne State 

The all-time series between USF and Wayne State is tightly contested, with the Wildcats holding a 19-17 edge. Earlier this season, Wayne State edged the Cougars 66-61 in Sioux Falls. USF, however, won last season's lone matchup 70-62. The Cougars are 6-4 in their last 10 meetings with the Wildcats, making this an evenly matched rivalry. 

Scouting the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs 

The #13-ranked Mustangs are enjoying an exceptional season, entering the weekend with a 17-3 overall record and a 12-2 mark in NSIC play. SMSU has been a model of consistency and efficiency, boasting the conference's best defense. They allow just 65.1 points per game (1st NSIC) while holding opponents to a 40.2% field-goal percentage (1st NSIC) and 31.0% three-point percentage (2nd NSIC). Their defensive discipline and ability to force contested shots make them incredibly difficult to score against, especially in half-court settings. 

Offensively, SMSU operates with precision and patience, averaging 75.2 points per game (8th NSIC) while shooting 48.8% from the field (2nd NSIC). They excel in finding high-percentage shots and have a strong inside-out attack that features efficient scorers like Aeron Stevens and Jakob Braaten. SMSU is also dangerous at the free-throw line, where they lead the NSIC in free-throw percentage (76.7%). 

SMSU's ability to control tempo is a key part of their success. They commit just 10.7 turnovers per game (6th NSIC) and excel in slowing down high-paced teams. Their rebounding (+2.5 margin, 7th NSIC) and disciplined play have allowed them to sustain success even against top-tier opponents. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Aeron Stevens: Stevens leads the Mustangs in scoring at 15.2 points per game and rebounds with 6.3 per game. He's an efficient scorer, shooting 48.3% from the field and 76.0% from the free-throw line. 

  • Jakob Braaten: Braaten is the Mustangs' secondary scorer, averaging 14.6 points per game on 53.6% shooting. He also contributes 5.9 rebounds and a team-high 3.6 assists per game. 

  • Mason Lund: Lund is a reliable shooter, averaging 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He shoots 54.3% from the field and an impressive 44.4% from three-point range. 

Historical Matchup vs. Southwest Minnesota State 

The Mustangs have historically been a tough opponent for USF, holding a 25-17 lead in the all-time series. SMSU won the earlier meeting this season, 84-72, and has now won four straight games against the Cougars. Last season, the Mustangs also took the lone matchup, 80-74. USF will look to end SMSU's recent dominance in this rivalry on Saturday. 

Cougars at a Glance 

The Cougars (11-9, 7-7 NSIC) head into the weekend aiming to bounce back from a tough two-game skid. Despite recent losses, USF has been competitive in nearly every contest this season, relying on balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and efficient three-point shooting. 

USF ranks 6th in the NSIC in scoring offense (76.0 points per game) and excels in ball movement, leading the conference in assists per game (16.3). The Cougars also shoot 44.5% from the field (10th NSIC) and 37.0% from three-point range (4th NSIC). Their ability to spread the floor with sharpshooters like Taylen Ashley and Kyle Ingwerson makes them difficult to defend. 

The Cougars dominate the boards, averaging 39.6 rebounds per game (2nd NSIC) and posting a +6.9 rebounding margin (2nd NSIC). With Creighton Morisch and Shawn Warrior anchoring the glass, USF has consistently limited second-chance opportunities for opponents while creating extra possessions on the offensive end. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Taylen Ashley: Ashley is the Cougars' top scorer and a reliable perimeter threat. His ability to create his own shot, whether from deep or on drives to the basket, makes him the focal point of USF's offense.  

  • Noah Puetz: Puetz is one of the most versatile players on the roster, contributing as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator. His combination of size and agility allows him to play multiple roles, making him a key asset. 

  • Creighton Morisch: Morisch is 2nd in the NSIC in rebounding and is one of the conference's most consistent interior players. He's a double-double machine who can score in the post, clean up offensive boards, and alter shots on defense with his size and instincts. 

  • Kyle Ingwerson: Ingwerson adds versatility to USF's lineup with his ability to stretch the floor and hit timely three-pointers. He's also a tough defender who battles for boards. 

  • Shawn Warrior: Warrior is the team's defensive anchor. Whether grabbing key rebounds, blocking shots, or making big plays in the paint, Warrior sets the tone for USF's defensive intensity. 

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  1. Dominate the Glass: The Cougars' rebounding edge will be critical, especially against Wayne State's and SMSU's strong frontcourts. Morisch and Warrior must control the boards on both ends, while players like Puetz and Ingwerson will need to crash the glass to secure second-chance opportunities. 

  1. Limit Turnovers: USF has struggled with turnovers, averaging 13.6 per game (15th NSIC). Against Wayne State, which leads the NSIC in steals (9.6 per game), taking care of the ball will be essential. Similarly, limiting turnovers against SMSU's methodical offense will prevent the Mustangs from dictating the pace of the game. 

  1. Defend the Perimeter: Both opponents feature sharpshooters who can shift momentum with three-pointers. Wayne State's JJ Ferrin (35.1% 3P%) and SMSU's Mason Lund (44.4% 3P%) are particularly dangerous. USF must close out on shooters and rotate effectively to force contested shots. 

  1. Execute in the Half Court: SMSU has the NSIC's top defense, allowing just 65.1 points per game, and thrives on forcing opponents into low-percentage looks. The Cougars will need to run disciplined offensive sets, move the ball effectively, and look for high-quality shots. 

  1. Force Tough Shots: Both Wayne State and SMSU shoot above 46% from the field. The Cougars must use their physicality to deny easy looks in the paint and force contested mid-range and three-point attempts. 

Fan Information 

  • Tickets: Get your tickets for Saturday's game against SMSU here. 
  • Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network. 
  • Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here Friday at here Saturday. 
  • 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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