PITTSBURG, Kan. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team opened the 2025–26 season on Friday evening, falling 91–76 to Pittsburg State in the opening game of the Central Region Challenge inside John Lance Arena.
Despite a strong offensive showing from multiple Cougars, the Gorillas rode a career night from Connor Rogers — who exploded for 39 points — and a +14 points off turnover margin to pull away late.
Game Summary
USF traded blows early and trailed just 10–8 in the opening minutes before Pittsburg State caught fire from deep, hitting eight first-half threes to build a 49–39 halftime lead. The Cougars continued to attack the rim and trimmed the deficit to one midway through the second half, but a late burst from the Gorillas and timely shooting closed the door.
The Cougars shot an efficient 52.8% from the field (28-for-53) and went 7-for-22 from three while adding 15 assists. However, 18 turnovers and giving up 55.9% shooting did the Cougars in.
How It Happened
First Half:
Both teams came out fast, trading early punches as the Cougars generated quality looks on the perimeter and around the rim. Kyle Ingwerson provided the initial spark, knocking down back-to-back triples to keep pace with Pittsburg State's early scoring burst. Brandon Hrncir followed with tough finishes inside, helping USF stay within a possession through the opening minutes.
Pittsburg State began to create separation through their perimeter efficiency. The Gorillas connected on eight first-half three-pointers, including multiple momentum-shifting shots in transition and late-clock situations. Connor Rogers was at the center of that surge, hitting from deep and attacking downhill to open up driving lanes for teammates.
USF continued to find answers offensively. Taylen Ashley scored effectively at all three levels, converting putbacks, mid-range jumpers, and a catch-and-shoot three. Brogan Madson added attacking drives that helped offset PSU's shooting runs, and Jacoby Mehrman injected defensive energy with a steals.
Despite USF shooting 51.7% in the half and sharing the ball well (nine assists), Pittsburg State's shot-making allowed them to take a 49–39 lead into the break.
Second Half:
The Cougars started to generate stops to chip away at the deficit, working it's way back to 62-61 thanks to a 14-0 run following the first media timeout. Ashley and Hrncir worked in a few quick baskets followed by a pair of free throws and layups from Mehrman gave the Cougars all the momentum. The Cougars' ball movement improved as well, with Ingwerson, Hrncir, and Ashley each facilitating clean looks that kept USF's offense flowing.
A 7-0 Gorilla run in response kept the Sioux Falls comeback at bay. Rogers hit several difficult midrange shots and a three from the wing to halt USF momentum, while the Gorillas capitalized on turnovers in the open floor to regain control.
USF continued to battle late, with Ashley scoring through traffic and Ingwerson drilling a deep three to keep the Cougars within reach. But Pittsburg State made timely plays in the final five minutes to extend the lead. USF's final push came up short as the Gorillas closed out the game at the rim and at the line to secure the 91–76 result.
Coach's Corner
"We just didn't guard at a level that allows you a chance to have success, which was disappointing. We showed some heart trimming the lead from 15 down to one, but we just ran out of gas. We will need to be much better taking care of the ball and on defense tomorrow to give ourselves a better chance."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
- #0 Taylen Ashley – 22 points (10-17 FG, 2-8 3PT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists
- #20 Brandon Hrncir – 15 points (6-7 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists
- #22 Kyle Ingwerson – 15 points (5-13 FG, 4-10 3PT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
- #2 Brogan Madson – 13 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
- #24 Jacoby Mehrman – 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
Key Team Stats
- Rogers' Big Night: Pittsburg State's Connor Rogers posted 39 points on 13-of-20 shooting.
- Efficient Shooting: USF hit 52.8% of its field goals and scored 40 points in the paint.
- Turnover Difference: The Cougars committed 18 turnovers while PSU turned it over just 11 times, leading to a 26–12 Gorillas edge in points off turnovers.
- Bench Battle: Pittsburg State outscored USF's bench 20–1.
- Glass Work: USF held a small rebounding edge, 29–26, including 11 offensive boards.
Up Next
The Cougars continue Central Region Challenge play on Saturday, November 15, taking on Central Missouri at 3:00 p.m. inside Municipal Auditorium in Pittsburg, Kansas.
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