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Cougars Set to Tame the Wildcats and Stall the Mustangs in Key NSIC Matchups

1/29/2025 9:54:00 AM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team (12-9, 8-6 NSIC) faces a pivotal weekend as they travel to Wayne, Nebraska, to take on Wayne State (9-9, 6-8 NSIC) on Thursday at 7:30 PM before returning home to host #22 Southwest Minnesota State (18-2, 12-2 NSIC) on Saturday at 5:30 PM. 

USF is riding a two-game winning streak after key victories over St. Cloud State and Bemidji State last weekend. With the Cougars sitting fifth in the NSIC South standings, these games provide an opportunity to gain ground on their divisional rivals. While Wayne State presents a scrappy, balanced attack, SMSU brings one of the conference's most dominant teams to the Stewart Center. 

Scouting the Wayne State Wildcats 

Wayne State (9-9, 6-8 NSIC) is a team that thrives on teamwork and efficiency. They average 67.7 points per game (6th NSIC) while shooting 40.0% from the field (7th NSIC). Despite their offensive struggles at times, they are defensively solid, allowing 66.6 points per game (6th NSIC) and holding opponents to 30.4% shooting from beyond the arc (5th NSIC). 

Wayne State's biggest strength lies in their shot-blocking ability, ranking 2nd in the NSIC with 4.8 blocks per game. They also share the ball effectively, averaging 14.6 assists per game (T-5th NSIC). However, their -0.9 rebounding margin (10th NSIC) and turnover struggles (14.9 per game, 8th NSIC) have hindered their consistency. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Kylah vanDonkersgoed: The Wildcats' leading scorer (12.9 PPG) and rebounder (5.6 RPG), vanDonkersgoed provides consistency in the post and stretches defenses with her 37.1% three-point shooting. 

  • Maya Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick adds 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and a team-high 1.2 blocks per game. Her defensive presence and ability to score in transition make her a key player. 

  • Tate Norblade: Norblade is a steady contributor, averaging 11.6 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting an efficient 47.4% from the field. 

Historical Matchup vs. Wayne State 

The Cougars trail Wayne State in the all-time series, 15-16. Earlier this season, USF fell 72-70 in a thrilling contest that featured 15 lead changes. Despite the loss, the Cougars have dominated the recent rivalry, winning 11 of the last 13 meetings dating back to 2019. 

Scouting the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs 

The #22 Mustangs (18-2, 12-2 NSIC) are in the midst of a dominant season, highlighted by a 10-game winning streak. SMSU leads the NSIC in scoring margin (+18.9) and boasts one of the league's best offenses, averaging 83.6 points per game while shooting a league-best 47.8% from the field. They are equally formidable defensively, holding opponents to just 64.7 points per game (3rd NSIC) and 25.3% shooting from three-point range (1st NSIC). 

Rebounding is another strength for SMSU, as they lead the conference with 42.7 boards per game and a +7.9 margin. With star players like Bri Stoltzman and Audrey Swanson anchoring both ends of the court, the Mustangs excel at controlling the tempo and dominating the paint. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Bri Stoltzman: Stoltzman is third in the NSIC in scoring with 19.1 points per game while adding 6.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Her ability to attack the basket and distribute the ball makes her the engine of SMSU's offense. 

  • Audrey Swanson: Swanson averages 14.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, dominating the boards and finishing efficiently in the paint (49.6% FG). 

  • Peyton Blandin: A dangerous perimeter shooter, Blandin averages 15.8 points per game and leads SMSU with 46 made three-pointers (37.4%). 

Historical Matchup vs. Southwest Minnesota State 

USF has struggled against SMSU recently, losing the last four matchups, including a lopsided 93-61 defeat earlier this season. The Cougars hold a 17-22 all-time record against the Mustangs but will need their best performance to compete with SMSU's high-powered offense. 

Cougars at a Glance 

The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team enters the weekend with a 12-9 overall record and an 8-6 mark in NSIC play, positioning them in the upper portion of the conference standings. Riding a two-game winning streak after key victories over St. Cloud State and Bemidji State last weekend, the Cougars are building momentum as they approach a critical stretch of divisional matchups. 

USF ranks among the NSIC's most potent offenses, averaging 74.0 points per game (4th NSIC). The team shoots efficiently, connecting on 43.2% of field goals (4th NSIC) and a strong 37.5% from beyond the arc (2nd NSIC). The Cougars' balanced attack is spearheaded by leading scorer Kami Wadsworth, who averages 17.1 points per game and leads the conference in free-throw percentage at 86.0%. USF's ability to stretch the floor with sharpshooters like Megan Fannin (43.8%), and Alexis Rose (41.4% 3P) adds a dynamic layer to their offense, forcing defenses to pick their poison. 

Defensively, the Cougars allow 67.3 points per game (8th NSIC) and excel at limiting opponents' high-percentage shots. They hold teams to 32.0% from three-point range (9th NSIC) while effectively contesting shots in the paint. The Cougars share the ball effectively, ranking 7th in the NSIC with 14.5 assists per game. Ayla Brown, who averages 3.7 assists per game, facilitates USF's offense and ensures scoring opportunities are well-distributed. 

Key Cougars to Watch 

  • Kami Wadsworth: Wadsworth is the Cougars' leading scorer, averaging 17.1 points per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. She also contributes 4.5 rebounds per game and leads the NSIC in free-throw percentage at 86.0%.  

  • Aby Phipps: As the Cougars' top rebounder, Phipps averages 6.9 boards per game while adding 9.0 points on 44.2% shooting. Her rebounding and interior scoring will be vital against teams like SMSU, which excels on the boards. 

  • Alexis Rose: Rose is one of USF's most reliable perimeter threats, averaging 10.3 points per game while shooting 41.4% from three-point range. She also contributes 3.8 rebounds per contest. 

  • Ayla Brown: A versatile guard, Brown does it all for USF, averaging 8.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Her court vision and playmaking ability set the tone for the Cougars' offense. 

  • Megan Fannin: Fannin provides a spark for the Cougars, averaging 6.8 points per game while shooting 43.8% from three-point range. Her ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc gives USF an additional offensive weapon. 

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  • Control the Rebounding Battle: USF averages 36.7 rebounds per game with a +3.7 margin, but they'll face a strong rebounding team in SMSU, which leads the NSIC with 42.7 boards per game and a +7.9 margin. Winning the battle on the glass, particularly on the defensive end, will limit second-chance opportunities for both opponents. 

  • Limit Turnovers: Wayne State forces 14 turnovers per game with aggressive defense, while SMSU thrives in transition off miscues. USF, averaging 14.7 turnovers per game, must protect the basketball to maintain offensive rhythm and prevent easy points. 

  • Defend the Perimeter: Both opponents feature capable three-point shooters. USF will need to lock down Peyton Blandin (SMSU) and Kylah vanDonkersgoed (WSC), who excel from beyond the arc. 

  • Attack Inside: Despite both opponents' defensive strengths, USF can exploit opportunities in the paint. Wayne State has struggled with rebounding (-0.9 margin), and SMSU allows 42.6% of opponent shots inside the arc. Aby Phipps and Kami Wadsworth must establish themselves early with strong post play and driving opportunities. 

  • Control the Tempo: SMSU thrives on high-scoring games, averaging 83.6 points per game, while Wayne State is comfortable slowing the game down. USF must dictate the pace, finding opportunities to push the tempo when appropriate while avoiding rushing into bad shots or turnovers. 

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 SCSU and here Saturday at BSU 
  • 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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