CROOKSTON, MINN. - A dominant second quarter and steady free-throw shooting propelled the Sioux Falls Cougars (7-8, 3-5 NSIC) to a 75-65 road victory over Minnesota Crookston (5-9, 3-5 NSIC) on Saturday. Led by Kami Wadsworth's 22-point performance, the Cougars overcame an early deficit to secure their third conference win of the season. 

1st Quarter 

Minnesota Crookston seized early momentum, capitalizing on Sioux Falls' turnovers to build a 17-13 advantage. While the Golden Eagles displayed sharp shooting at 50% from the field, USF struggled to find their range despite creating quality looks. Kami Wadsworth's rebounding and Aby Phipps' interior presence kept the Cougars within striking distance, though their perimeter shooting yielded just one three-pointer in the frame. 

2nd Quarter 

Sioux Falls flipped the script with a commanding 25-10 run that transformed the game. Their suffocating defense held Crookston to three field goals while generating transition opportunities from forced turnovers. Anna Vaaler provided a spark with a crucial three-pointer, complementing Phipps' consistent interior scoring. The Cougars' precision at the free-throw line (9-of-10) helped build a 38-27 halftime lead. 

3rd Quarter 

Crookston showed resilience with a 21-point quarter to chip away at the deficit. The Cougars' bench proved vital in weathering the storm, as Alexis Rose connected from beyond the arc. Wadsworth was crucial in USF's continued success at the free-throw, and the Cougars entered the final period up 56-48. 

4th Quarter 

Sioux Falls secured the victory with composed execution down the stretch. Their free-throw accuracy remained crucial (8-of-10), while Wadsworth took control with aggressive drives and timely jumpers. Clutch plays from Phipps and Vaaler on both ends thwarted Crookston's comeback attempts, sealing the 75-65 win. 

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goal Percentage: USF shot 43% (23-of-53), while holding Crookston to 36% (25-of-70). 

• Rebounding: The Cougars grabbed 38 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. 

• Turnovers: USF capitalized on 18 Golden Eagle turnovers, scoring 20 points off them. 

• Bench Points: The Cougar bench contributed 15 points, showcasing their depth. 

Key Coo 

• Kami Wadsworth: Dominated with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting an efficient 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. 

• Aby Phipps: A force in the paint with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and a pair of assists. 

• Anna Vaaler: Nearly posted a double-double, tallying 11 points and 9 rebounds while hitting clutch shots. 

Up Next 

The Cougars are back at the Stewart Center next weekend, ready to take on the Minot State Beavers and MSU-Moorhead Dragons. The action tips off Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Minot State, followed by a Saturday showdown with MSU-Moorhead at 3:30 p.m. 

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