SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team earned its first win of the 2025–26 season on Tuesday night, defeating Nebraska Kearney 62–51 inside the Stewart Center. The Cougars controlled the game for three quarters, forced 25 Loper turnovers, and delivered several timely runs to secure the home victory.

USF led 32–19 late in the second quarter and responded to every UNK push with strong defense and efficient scoring around the rim. A 21-point fourth quarter sealed the outcome as the Cougars held the Lopers to 0 points in the final four and half minutes.

Game Summary

USF executed one of its best defensive performances of the young season, holding Nebraska Kearney to 29.7 percent shooting (19-for-64) and 7-of-32 from three. The Cougars finished with 12 steals and scored 21 points off turnovers while shooting 42.6 percent from the field.

A big night from Alexis Rose and Anna Vaaler paced the offense, while Danielle Minsaas delivered five steals and key defensive possessions that swung momentum throughout the night.

How It Happened

First Quarter
USF set the tone immediately, forcing seven UNK turnovers and attacking the paint for early scoring. Rose and Langager ignited the offense with back-to-back layups as the Cougars led 14–10 after one.

Second Quarter
USF stretched the lead thanks to a balanced attack and strong rebounding. Brown and Minsaas both scored in transition, and the Cougars entered halftime with a 32–19 advantage after shooting 43.8 percent in the half and holding UNK to just three field goals in the period.

Third Quarter
Nebraska Kearney briefly climbed back into the game with two threes from Myleigh Weers, cutting the lead to 36–31. But USF answered with inside scoring from Langager and free throws from Vaaler to maintain control, leading 41–35 heading into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter
The Cougars slammed the door with a 21-point final frame, their best quarter of the night. Vaaler and Rose hit big shots late, Minsaas converted a three-point play, and USF forced four more turnovers to extend the lead to double digits. The Cougars held UNK without a field goal for nearly four straight minutes as they closed out the win.

Coach's Corner

"We're really excited for our kids on getting their first win. It wasn't the prettiest, having a ton of turnovers, but I thought our group really competed and took a big step on the defensive end from this past weekend. I'm really proud of everybody who got opportunities in the game. We're still a work in progress, trying to figure out who we want to go to when Kami Wadsworth is not playing anymore. Again, super proud of the way we ended the game on an 11-0 run, and hopefully this will jumpstart us for many more wins." - Head Coach Travis Traphagen

Key Coo

• Alexis Rose – 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists (7-for-13 FG)
• Anna Vaaler – 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6-for-6 FT
• Danielle Minsaas – 6 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds
• Ayla Brown – 6 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds
• Krista Langager – 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block

Key Team Stats

• Turnover Pressure: USF forced 25 UNK turnovers and scored 21 points off them.
• Paint Presence: Cougars scored 26 points in the paint compared to UNK's 20.
• Rebounding Edge: USF won the boards 40–37, including 32 defensive rebounds.
• Efficiency Wins: The Cougars shot 42.6 percent from the field, while UNK finished at 29.7 percent.
• Fourth-Quarter Finishing: USF put up 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting in the final frame.

Up Next

The Cougars continue their homestand on Friday, November 21, hosting South Dakota Mines at 12:00 p.m. as part of the USF Classic.

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