By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team officially tips off the 2025–26 campaign this weekend at the Central Region Challenge, hosted by Pittsburg State University at Municipal Auditorium in Pittsburg, Kansas. The Cougars open against host Pittsburg State on Friday, November 14 at 5:00 p.m., before facing Central Missouri on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Coming off a 16–13 season under 18th-year head coach Chris Johnson, the Cougars are looking to build on last year's momentum as they return key contributors and introduce a promising mix of new talent to the lineup.
Series Snapshot
Friday's matchup marks the fourth all-time meeting between USF and Pittsburg State, with the Gorillas holding a 3–0 edge after edging the Cougars 67–66 last season in Kansas City.
USF and Central Missouri have met twice previously, splitting the series 1–1. The Cougars claimed a 73–70 overtime victory in 2018, while the Mules took the 2014 meeting 67–47 at the Sanford Pentagon.
Scouting the Gorillas (1–1, 0–0 MIAA)
Under fourth-year head coach Jeff Boschee, Pittsburg State has developed into one of the MIAA's most consistent contenders. The Gorillas went 18–12 (13–6 MIAA) a year ago and opened 2025–26 with a split at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic, falling 76–70 to West Texas A&M before defeating Minnesota State 75–53.
Early returns show a balanced and efficient offensive attack. Junior Donald Coats leads the team with 13.0 points per game on 64.3% shooting and a scorching 57.1% from three, while Mason English adds 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Forward Ethan Sage provides an inside presence at 9.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, while sophomore Alijah Curry contributes 10.5 points and 4.5 boards.
Pittsburg State has averaged 72.5 points through two games while shooting 45.1% from the field and 27.7% from beyond the arc. The Gorillas have owned the glass early with a +3.5 rebounding margin and are sharing the ball effectively with 16.0 assists per game.
Scouting the Mules (2–1, 0–0 MIAA)
Central Missouri, led by third-year head coach Adam Bohac, enters the weekend at 2–1 following wins over Colorado School of Mines and New Mexico Highlands and a close loss at Montana State Billings.
Offensively, the Mules have been electric—averaging 83.0 points per game on 50.0% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Freshman guard Lazerek Houston has been one of Division II's most impressive early scorers, averaging 27.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 53.7% from the floor. Fellow newcomer Jevon Hill adds 17.3 points and a team-high 11 made threes, while Kyran Tilley rounds out a rotation averaging double figures.
The Mules are allowing 79.3 points per game but forcing over 15 turnovers per contest while averaging nearly 10 steals, signaling an aggressive defensive identity that mirrors their offensive tempo.
Cougar Spotlight
The Cougars return a strong nucleus highlighted by redshirt sophomore guard Taylen Ashley, who started all 29 games last season and averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 37.5% from deep. He's joined by sharpshooting forward Kyle Ingwerson, who averaged 11.0 points and 4.6 rebounds, connecting on 38.3% of his threes.
Sophomore forward Brandon Hrncir returns after averaging 5.6 points and 2.6 rebounds as a steady contributor off the bench, bringing energy and versatility to the frontcourt. Freshman guard Brogan Madson, a former Minnesota Mr. Basketball finalist from Mankato East, headlines a group of newcomers looking to make an early impact.
After graduating NSIC Defensive Player of the Year Creighton Morisch, the Cougars will look for a mix of transfers and freshmen to step into meaningful roles right away. Players like Alex Mattes (UMary), Gerard Bosch (MidAmerica Nazarene), and James Spencer III (Kirkwood CC) add collegiate experience, while promising freshman Bryon Laue could also factor into the frontcourt rotation.
With new faces joining a core of proven returners, it will be exciting to see who emerges and sets the tone for Sioux Falls in these early-season matchups.
Numbers Game
- Sharing the Rock: USF ranked 1st in the NSIC with 16.7 assists per game last season, reflecting a selfless offensive system under Coach Johnson.
- Dominating the Glass: The Cougars averaged 39.5 rebounds per game with a +6.3 margin, leading the NSIC on the boards in 2024–25.
- Perimeter Punch: USF connected on 37.1% from three-point range, good for third in the NSIC, while Pittsburg State led the MIAA last year at 39.5% and Central Missouri is hitting 33.3% early this season.
- Efficient Offense: Sioux Falls shot 44.6% from the field last year while limiting opponents to 43.5%, a margin they'll aim to extend in this weekend's matchups.
- Gorilla Grit: Pittsburg State averaged 77.8 points and shot nearly 49.2% from the floor in 2024–25, including an MIAA-best 9.7 threes per game.
- Mule Momentum: Central Missouri's early-season average of 83.0 points per game ranks among the top offenses in the MIAA and features one of the league's most dynamic newcomers in Houston (27.7 PPG).
Coach's Corner
"We are excited to get on the road this weekend and open the 2025-26 season. Both games are hard tests, as Pitt State and Central Missouri have talented rosters and are very well coached."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Tipoffs:
- Friday, Nov. 14 – 5:00 p.m. vs Pittsburg State
- Saturday, Nov. 15 – 3:00 p.m. vs Central Missouri
Location: Municipal Auditorium – Pittsburg, Kansas
Broadcast: Watch live on the MIAA Network
Live Stats: Available at USFCougars.com
Next Up: The Cougars return to the Stewart Center for their home opener against Chadron State on Nov. 21 as part of the USF Classic.
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