ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team closed the MIAA/NSIC Challenge with a strong late push, outscoring No. 9 Fort Hays State 26–6 in the fourth quarter before ultimately falling 84–75 on Saturday afternoon at the St. Joseph Civic Arena.
After trailing by as many as 30 in the second half, the Cougars caught fire late behind a dominant performance from junior guard Anna Vaaler, cutting the deficit to single digits before running out of time. The final score reflected USF's fight and resilience, especially in the closing stretch.
Game Summary
Fort Hays State came out blazing, shooting 77.8 percent in the first quarter and building a 32–18 lead. The Tigers pushed the margin to 52–34 by halftime and later extended it to 30 in the third period. Despite the uphill climb, Sioux Falls never folded.
USF stormed back with its best quarter of the season in the fourth, fueled by defensive stops, second-chance buckets, and efficient perimeter shooting. The Cougars held FHSU to just three made field goals in the final 10 minutes and closed with a 15–0 run to make it a two-possession game in the final minute.
USF shot 37.9 percent from the field and 9-of-22 from three, while also grabbing 44 rebounds, including 17 on the offensive end. Fort Hays State countered with 55.7 percent shooting and 26 assists on 34 made shots.
How It Happened
First Quarter:
Fort Hays State opened the game on a tear, hitting 14-of-18 shots and jumping out to a 32–18 lead. Vaaler had eight early points to keep USF within reach.
Second Quarter:
The Tigers continued their hot shooting, stretching the lead to 18 at the break. The Cougars hung tough with scoring from Vaaler and Ayla Brown.
Third Quarter:
Fort Hays State connected on five threes in the period and extended the margin to 30. Despite the deficit, USF's effort on the offensive glass—led by Langager and Minsaas—set the stage for the comeback burst.
Fourth Quarter:
The Cougars erupted for 26 points, their highest-scoring quarter of the young season. Vaaler poured in 13 points in the frame, Traphagen added three threes, and USF forced six Tiger turnovers. The Cougars closed the game on a 15-0 run but ran out of time as Fort Hays steadied late to secure the win.
Coach's Corner
"Thought we really competed hard in the second half. Tried to have some short-term goals to get back in the game. Thought Anna Vaaler was very special today, but that Fort Hays team was very, very good. All the credit in the world goes to them, but I really liked our fight down the stretch."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Hot Start Hurts: Fort Hays opened 14-of-18 from the floor and shot 55.7 percent for the game.
- Fourth-Quarter Spark: USF outscored FHSU 26–6 in the final frame.
- Paint Production: Tigers held a 40–28 edge inside.
- Second Chances: USF collected 17 offensive rebounds and 44 boards total.
- Ball Movement Battle: The Tigers assisted on 26 of their 34 made shots.
Up Next
The Cougars return to the Stewart Center on Tuesday, November 18, hosting Nebraska Kearney at 6:00 p.m.
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