By: Clint Neumann
Weekend Matchup Preview
The Stewart Center is set to host a pair of pivotal NSIC matchups this weekend as the University of Sioux Falls Cougars continue their conference campaign. The Cougars will first face the Minot State Beavers on Friday, January 10th, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 PM. The weekend concludes with a Saturday afternoon clash against the MSU-Moorhead Dragons at 3:30 PM. Coming off an encouraging victory against Minnesota Crookston, the Cougars (7-8 overall, 3-5 NSIC) aim to climb the conference standings with strong performances on their home court.
Scouting Minot State
The Beavers arrive in Sioux Falls carrying a 4-11 overall record, matching the Cougars' 3-5 mark in NSIC competition. Offensive production has proven challenging for Minot State this season, as evidenced by their 62.1 points per game, placing them 12th in the conference. Their defensive numbers mirror these struggles, surrendering 72.1 points per game (12th in NSIC). From the field, the Beavers have connected on 40.1% of their attempts, including a 32.1% success rate from three-point territory. The glass has been particularly problematic for Minot State, who find themselves on the wrong end of a -7.6 rebounding differential while pulling down 32.5 boards per contest.
Key Players to Watch
- Emma Mogen: Spearheading the Beavers' offensive attack, Mogen has displayed a complete scoring arsenal, averaging 11.1 points while keeping defenses honest with her inside-out game. Her ability to impact multiple facets of the game shows in her well-rounded stat line of 4.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists, making her the focal point of opposing scouting reports.
- Maya Aguilar: With a lethal stroke from beyond the arc (41.7%), Aguilar has established herself as a perimeter threat, stretching defenses while maintaining a solid 9.9 points per game average. Her defensive anticipation (1.1 steals) and work on the glass (3.1 rebounds) demonstrate her evolution into a complete player who impacts both ends of the floor.
- Sydney Gustavsson: The epitome of consistency for the Beavers, Gustavsson fills the stat sheet nightly with 9.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Her versatility allows her to slide between multiple positions, creating matchup advantages while providing steady production in every facet of the game.
- Jessica Mogen: Mogen has become an invaluable piece of the Beavers' rotation. Her contributions of 6.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game showcase her ability to maintain the team's rhythm when the starters rest.
Head to Head History
The rivalry between these programs has been closely contested, with USF holding a slim 10-8 advantage in the all-time series. Recent matchups have particularly favored the Beavers, who swept last season's series in dramatic fashion. Their victory in Minot came by a narrow 62-60 margin, followed by an even more dramatic 65-64 triumph in Sioux Falls, secured by a last-second layup. The Cougars enter this contest looking to snap a three-game skid against Minot State, with their most recent victory dating back to 2020.
Scouting MSU-Moorhead
The Dragons enter the weekend sporting a 6-8 overall record with a balanced 4-4 mark in conference play. While their offensive output of 59.3 points per game ranks 15th in the NSIC, MSU-Moorhead's defensive prowess has kept them competitive, allowing just 62.8 points per game (3rd in NSIC). Their shooting percentages reflect their offensive challenges, converting 34.7% from the field and 27.7% from three-point range. However, the Dragons have dominated the boards, averaging 39.9 rebounds per game and maintaining a positive rebounding margin of 4.3.
Key Players to Watch
- Natalie Jens: Before her December 13th sidelining, Jens had been the offensive catalyst for the Dragons, orchestrating their attack with 11.9 points per game while demonstrating exceptional court vision with 2.9 assists. Her all-around impact, including 4.0 rebounds per contest, leaves a significant void in the Dragons' rotation that they're still working to fill.
- Terryn Johnson: The Dragons' post presence begins and ends with Johnson, whose dominance in the paint has resulted in remarkable efficiency – converting 50% of her field goal attempts en route to 10.1 points per game. Her commanding presence on the glass (8.4 rebounds) makes her a constant threat for double-doubles and forces opponents to commit additional defenders to box-out duties.
- Abby Berge: Berge has emerged as one of the Dragons' most dependable performers, posting 10.2 points and clearing 5.6 rebounds per game. Her composure at the free-throw line (79.4%) makes her particularly valuable in late-game situations, while her consistency helps steady the Dragons' offense through rough patches.
- Ashton Safranski: The Dragons' defensive sparkplug, Safranski disrupts opposing offenses with her relentless pressure, generating 2.6 steals per game. Beyond her defensive prowess, she's proven herself a capable scorer (7.1 points) and active rebounder (3.5 per game), with her high-energy play often serving as a catalyst for the Dragons' transition offense.
Head to Head History
The all-time series between USF and MSU-Moorhead remains tightly contested, with the Cougars holding a narrow 8-7 edge. Last season saw each team protect their home court, as the Dragons claimed a decisive 75-42 victory in Moorhead before the Cougars responded with a 66-54 win in Sioux Falls. The Stewart Center has proven particularly challenging for the Dragons, where the Cougars have built an impressive 5-1 record in the series.
Cougars at a Glance
The 2024-25 season has seen its share of peaks and valleys for USF, reflected in their 7-8 overall record and 3-5 conference mark. Fresh off an encouraging 75-65 triumph over Minnesota Crookston, the team has demonstrated both depth and resilience. Their offensive output of 71.9 points per game ranks fourth in the NSIC, while their defensive effort has limited opponents to 66.7 points per game (7th in NSIC). The Cougars have maintained solid shooting percentages, converting 41.0% from the field and 34.0% from three-point range, while establishing a +3.9 rebounding advantage.
Key Cougars to Watch
- Kami Wadsworth: The sophomore forward has been electric for the Cougars, pacing the offense with 16.7 points per game while showing remarkable efficiency at the charity stripe, converting 85.1% of her attempts. Wadsworth's complete game extends beyond scoring, as she pulls down 4.6 rebounds and dishes out 1.9 assists per contest, making her a constant headache for opposing defenses.
- Ayla Brown: Emerging as one of the team's most reliable shooters, Brown has displayed uncanny accuracy with identical 42.4% success rates from both the field and three-point territory. The sophomore guard contributes 7.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, using her court vision and basketball IQ to make timely plays on both ends of the floor.
- Aby Phipps: Standing tall in the paint, Phipps has established herself as the Cougars' interior anchor, muscling her way to 8.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. The senior forward's commanding presence forces opponents to alter their shots, while her ability to finish around contact creates opportunities in the half-court offense.
- Anna Vaaler: Whether spotting up from deep or attacking the rim, Vaaler has proven herself as a scoring threat from all areas of the court. The freshman wing's smooth shooting stroke has resulted in impressive shooting splits of 41.6% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc, while her 9.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game underscore her growing impact in the Cougars' rotation.
Keys to Victory for the Cougars
- Defensive Intensity: Aggressive defense will be paramount as the Cougars face two contrasting offensive styles. A contained perimeter presence against Minot State's downhill threats and strong interior defense against MSU-Moorhead's post play could set the tone for both games.
- Rebounding Battle: With MSU-Moorhead's +4.3 rebounding margin and Minot State's struggles on the glass (-7.6), the Cougars must capitalize on defensive rebounds while creating second-chance opportunities on offense. Boxing out Terryn Johnson will be particularly crucial in Saturday's matchup.
- Balanced Scoring: The Cougars cannot rely solely on Wadsworth's 16.7 points per game. Getting early contributions from Vaaler beyond the arc and establishing Phipps in the paint will force defenses to honor multiple threats and create scoring opportunities throughout the rotation.
- Limit Turnovers: Against MSU-Moorhead's defensive pressure, particularly Safranski's 2.6 steals per game, the Cougars must value each possession. Quick ball movement and strong screens will help break down the Dragons' defensive schemes while maintaining possession.
- Effective Free-Throw Shooting: Building on their strong free-throw shooting, led by Wadsworth's 85.1%, the Cougars must force the action inside to draw fouls on key players. This becomes especially critical against MSU-Moorhead's stingy defense, where points from the line could be the difference.
Fan Information
- Tickets: Get your tickets here.
- Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network.
- Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here.
- 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).
