CROOKSTON, MINN. - Behind a masterful two-way performance and a blistering first-half shooting display, the University of Sioux Falls Cougars (7-7, 3-5 NSIC) dismantled Minnesota-Crookston (3-11, 2-6 NSIC) 85-66 Saturday afternoon at Lysaker Gym. From the opening tip, USF imposed their will on both ends of the floor, turning what could have been a challenging road test into a commanding statement win. Creighton Morisch continued his stellar season, stuffing the stat book with 20 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks. 

1st Half  

The Cougars wasted no time establishing their dominance, starting aggressive offensively to kept the Golden Eagles on their heels from the opening tip. USF's remarkable 56.7% shooting performance (17-30) in the first half was highlighted by precise ball movement and excellent shot selection, particularly in the paint where they amassed 20 points. 

Creighton Morisch emerged as the catalyst for the Cougars' early success, demonstrating his versatility with 12 first-half points while establishing a commanding presence on the boards. The perimeter attack was equally effective, with Kyle Ingwerson providing crucial spacing by connecting on 3 three-pointers that forced Minnesota-Crookston's defense to extend. 

The defensive intensity helped USF convert five forced turnovers into 12 points. This two-way effectiveness was particularly evident during a 12-4 run midway through the first half that pushed the Cougars' lead to double digits. 

The Golden Eagles struggled to find offensive rhythm against USF's aggressive defensive schemes, managing just 40% shooting (12-30) in the opening period. Their inability to protect the ball and generate consistent scoring opportunities allowed the Cougars to build a comfortable 45-32 halftime advantage. 

2nd Half 

Coming out of the break, USF maintained their composure and execution, effectively countering every attempted comeback by the Golden Eagles. The Cougars' second-half shooting remained solid at 46.2% (12-26), but it was their excellence from the free-throw line (11-12, 91.7%) that helped maintain their comfortable margin. 

Morisch's impact only grew as the game progressed, as he finished with a dominant defensive performance that included four blocked shots and 15 rebounds. His ability to alter shots and control the defensive glass proved crucial in limiting Minnesota-Crookston's second-chance opportunities. 

Noah Puetz continued his outstanding play, connecting on two more three-pointers en route to 20 points. USF's collective defensive effort forced six second-half turnovers, which helped weather a brief Golden Eagles' rally midway through the period. When the final horn rang, the Cougars emerged victorious, 85-66. 

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goals: The Cougars shot an efficient 51.8% from the field, connecting on 29 of their 56 attempts. 

• Three-Point Field Goals: USF showcased their range, hitting 10 of 20 shots from beyond the arc for an impressive 50%. 

• Free Throws: The team capitalized on their opportunities at the line, converting 17 of 22 attempts for 77.3%. 

• Turnovers: USF committed just 11 turnovers throughout the game. 

• Points in the Paint: The Cougars controlled the interior, scoring 30 points in the paint. 

Key Coo 

• Creighton Morisch: Led the Cougars with a dominant all-around performance, tallying 20 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks. 

• Noah Puetz: Provided a scoring spark with 20 points, including 4/7 from three-point range, while adding 3 rebounds and 2 assists. 

• Taylen Ashley: Contributed 15 points on efficient shooting (5/8 from the field, 2/3 from three), along with 3/4 free throws and 2 assists. 

• Kyle Ingwerson: Added 16 points and 5 rebounds, showcasing his shooting touch with 3/8 from beyond the arc. 

Up Next 

The Cougars men's basketball team returns to the Stewart Center next weekend for back-to-back ranked matchups. They'll battle the #5 Minot State Beavers on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and face the #12 MSU-Moorhead Dragons on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. 

For all things USF Men's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram and Twitter!