WAYNE, NEB. - The Sioux Falls Cougars (12-9, 8-7 NSIC) delivered a statement win on the road, defeating Wayne State (13-8, 7-8 NSIC) 78-68 at Rice Auditorium. The victory snapped Wayne State's five-game winning streak and was fueled by a balanced offensive effort, with both Creighton Morisch and Noah Puetz scoring 20 points. Morisch notched his fifth straight double-double and ninth of the season, finishing with 11 rebounds to go along with his efficient scoring performance. 

1st Half  

The Cougars came out strong, setting the tone early with sharp execution on both ends. Noah Puetz wasted no time getting on the board, converting a layup off a feed from Kyle Ingwerson just 11 seconds into the game. Moments later, Creighton Morisch powered his way inside for another quick basket, giving USF a 4-2 edge. 

Shawn Warrior added a spark from beyond the arc, sinking a three-pointer off a dish from Taylen Ashley at the 18:07 mark to extend the lead to 7-4. The Cougars' defense held firm, contesting shots and forcing Wayne State into difficult looks. 

Midway through the half, Sioux Falls went on a dominant 12-0 run, sparked by second-chance points and transition offense. Morisch was active on the glass, grabbing multiple defensive rebounds before finishing a fast-break layup to push the lead to double digits.  

The Cougars closed the half shooting 51.7% from the field, with Morisch already tallying nine points and nine rebounds. Sioux Falls took a 37-29 lead into the locker room, controlling the pace and outscoring Wayne State 24-16 in the paint. 

2nd Half 

Sioux Falls maintained control to open the second half, extending their lead to double digits behind an aggressive offensive approach. Ingwerson knocked down a pull-up jumper just over a minute into the half, and Warrior finished a fast-break layup moments later off a steal by Ingwerson. 

Wayne State attempted to mount a comeback, tying the game at 54-54 with 8:02 remaining. The Cougars put on a 11-0 from that moment to get enough separation to ice the game away. Ingwerson added a three-pointer at the 3:45 mark to maintain USF's lead, while Puetz hit four clutch free throws in the final minute. Sioux Falls closed the game with a 53.3% shooting mark in the second half, ensuring Wayne State never had a realistic chance at reclaiming the lead. 

The Cougars dominated the glass, holding a 41-29 rebounding advantage, and controlled the paint with a 48-36 scoring edge inside. 

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goal Percentage: Sioux Falls shot an efficient 52.5% (31-of-59) from the field and 33.3% (6-of-18) from three-point range. 

• Rebounding Edge: The Cougars outrebounded Wayne State 41-29, including nine offensive boards. 

• Points in the Paint: USF owned the interior with a 48-36 scoring advantage down low. 

• Assists: The Cougars moved the ball well, finishing with 21 assists on 31 made baskets. 

• Clutch Free Throw Shooting: USF shot 83.3% (10-of-12) from the free-throw line, closing out the game efficiently. 

Key Coo 

• Creighton Morisch: Recorded his fifth straight double-double and ninth of the season with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists on 8-of-12 shooting. 

• Noah Puetz: Matched Morisch's scoring output with 20 points, adding 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. 

• Kyle Ingwerson: Contributed 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

Up Next 

The Cougars return home Saturday, February 1st, against the #13 Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs at 3:30 PM. 

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