PITTSBURG, Kan. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team wrapped up Central Region Challenge play on Saturday afternoon, falling 82–77 to Central Missouri inside John Lance Arena. The Cougars made multiple pushes throughout the second half but couldn't fully overcome the Mules' efficient shooting and timely rebounding.
USF was led by freshman guard Brogan Madson, who delivered a breakout performance with 21 points, five assists, and four steals. Sophomore guard Taylen Ashley added 18 points and six rebounds, while Brandon Hrncir recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Despite out-rebounding the Mules 43–25 and scoring 44 points in the paint, the Cougars were unable to overcome 19 turnovers and a highly efficient outing from Central Missouri's Kyran Tilley, who scored 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting.
Game Summary
The Cougars trailed 40–33 at halftime after a tightly contested first period that featured 4 ties and 5 lead changes. USF held advantages in offensive rebounds, second-chance points, and fastbreak play, but Central Missouri generated scoring with crisp interior movement and a balanced perimeter attack.
USF stormed out of the break with renewed energy, briefly taking a 44–40 lead early in the second half. But the Mules responded with a steady scoring run behind Tilley, Jake Fritz, and Jevon Hill, stretching the lead and capitalizing on Cougar turnovers. USF continued to push late—cutting the deficit to two in the final minute—but the Mules connected on key free throws to secure the win.
The Cougars shot 43.1% from the field (28-for-65), scored 32 fastbreak and second-chance points combined, and generated 13 steals, but Central Missouri's 56.9% shooting night and 14 points off turnovers proved decisive.
How It Happened
First Half
USF opened with pace, scoring the game's first points on a three from Ashley. The Cougars repeatedly found success attacking downhill—Ashley, Madson, Pfaltzgraff, and Mehrman each got to the rim early—while strong offensive rebounding from Davis and Hrncir gave USF multiple second-chance opportunities.
Central Missouri countered inside with early buckets from Trinell Parker and Tilley, who repeatedly found space off ball-screens and cuts. Despite the Mules hitting four first-half threes and shooting over 57% from the field in the opening period, the Cougars stayed within striking distance thanks to their rebounding dominance and transition scoring.
USF tied the game multiple times between the 12- and 8-minute marks, highlighted by Madson's attacking finishes and steady ball movement. But turnovers kept the Mules in control late, and Central Missouri entered halftime leading 40–33 despite being outrebounded 19–14.
Second Half
USF quickly erased the deficit, opening the half with a 8–0 run fueled by back-to-back baskets from Ashley and a transition finish from Mehrman. Hrncir's interior play and Madson's midrange scoring briefly gave the Cougars a four-point lead at 44–40.
The Mules responded with a poised offensive stretch. Fritz knocked down a deep three, and Tilley scored repeatedly at the rim. USF continued to battle. Davis created second-chance looks with offensive boards, Pfaltzgraff added timely layups, and Madson sparked transition opportunities with steals. Late free throws from Pfaltzgraff and a corner three from Madson brought USF within 77–75 with under a 0:52 left.
However, the Mules converted at the line and forced a pair of late stops to close out the 82–77 final.
Coach's Corner
"We just can't expect to win at this level when we give up 58 percent shooting, turn it over 19 times, and miss 11 free throws on back-to-back nights. The disappointing part is that we actually did a lot of things well — we grabbed 20 offensive boards and forced 18 turnovers. There were stretches where our effort and toughness really showed, so if we can clean up the fundamentals, we'll put ourselves in a much better position moving forward." - Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Rebounding Edge: USF owned a 43–25 advantage on the glass, including 20 offensive boards.
- Paint Production: The Cougars scored 44 points in the paint.
- Turnovers: USF committed 19 turnovers; Central Missouri scored 14 points off those giveaways.
- Defensive Activity: The Cougars grabbed 13 steals and scored 17 fastbreak points.
- Efficient Opponent: Central Missouri shot 56.9% from the field (29-for-51).
Up Next
The Cougars return home to the Stewart Center for their home opener on Friday, November 21, hosting Chadron State at 7:00 p.m. as part of the USF Classic.
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