By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team returns to the Stewart Center this weekend for its home-opening slate, hosting Chadron State on Friday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. before welcoming Grand Valley State on Saturday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. as part of the USF Classic, which will feature four NCAA Division II women's teams and four NCAA Division II men's teams competing across both days.
The Cougars enter the weekend at 0–2 following competitive matchups against Pittsburg State and Central Missouri, and will look to capitalize on early-season growth while continuing to lean on one of the league's most productive young backcourts.
Series Snapshot – Chadron State
USF owns a 6–3 all-time advantage over Chadron State and has won six straight in the series, most recently earning a 91–76 road win last November behind 24 points from Taylen Ashley and 20 from Noah Puetz. This is the Cougars' first home meeting with the Eagles since 2023.
Series Snapshot – Grand Valley State
Saturday marks the first-ever meeting between USF and Grand Valley State in men's basketball. The Lakers enter at 2–0 following wins over Ashland and UIndy in the opening week.
Scouting the Eagles (0–2, 0–0 RMAC)
Chadron State enters the weekend at 0–2 after opening the year with back-to-back losses at West Texas A&M. Despite the slow start, the Eagles showed offensive punch, averaging 79.5 points per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 36.4% from deep.
Senior guard Isaiah Randolph has been outstanding early, averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 72.7% from the field and 95% at the foul line. Junior guard Jadon Cool adds 13.0 points per game on 41.7% shooting and is one of the team's top perimeter threat at 44.4% from three. Senior Zach Smith rounds out the double-figure scorers at 12.0 points per game and is second on the team in free-throw makes.
The Eagles have struggled defensively through two contests, allowing 108.0 points per game and surrendering 16.5 made threes per contest. Opponents are shooting 50.0% from the field and 44.0% from three, while Chadron State is being out-rebounded by 10.0 boards per game.
Scouting the Lakers (2–0, 0–0 GLIAC)
Grand Valley State arrives in Sioux Falls with early momentum following a pair of DII wins. The Lakers have relied on defensive pressure and balanced scoring, holding opponents to just 60.5 points per game and 36.8% shooting. They also own an impressive +8.0 turnover margin while forcing 13.5 steals per game.
Senior guard Trevor Smith Jr. leads GVSU with 14.0 points per game on 70.6% shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc and at the foul line. Senior guard Mason Docks adds 11.5 points and 4.0 assists per game while hitting 44.4% from three. Forward Jalen Charity provides interior strength, averaging 9.0 points and a team-best 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting 90% at the free-throw line.
As a group, the Lakers are shooting 41.9% from the field, 28.6% from deep, and 86.1% at the foul line while matching USF at 36.0 rebounds per game.
Cougar Spotlight
USF's young core has opened the season with strong scoring balance and promising flashes. Redshirt sophomore guard Taylen Ashley leads the team with 20.0 points per game while averaging 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Freshman guard Brogan Madson has made an immediate impact at 17.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 50% from the field.
Sophomore forward Brandon Hrncir has been a force inside, averaging 13.0 points and a team-best 8.0 rebounds per game on 72.7% shooting. Kyle Ingwerson adds 9.5 points per game and remains a key perimeter option at 33.3% from three.
With two games now on film, the Cougars have clear areas of emphasis as they return home. Opponents are shooting 56.4% from the field and have hit 17 three-pointers across the opening weekend, making defensive pressure and shot-contests a major priority moving forward. USF will also look to capitalize more consistently at the foul line after starting the year 29-for-51 (56.9%) through two contests. As the rotation settles and young players continue gaining experience, the Cougars aim to tighten their defensive efficiency and convert more of their opportunities at the stripe heading into this weekend's home stand.
Numbers Game
- Offensive Efficiency: USF is shooting 47.5% through two games, including 52.8% against Pittsburg State.
- Rebounding Muscle: The Cougars hold a +10.5 rebounding margin, led by Hrncir (8.0 RPG) and Camden Davis (7.0 RPG).
- Three-Point Defense: Chadron State has allowed 33 made threes in two games, while GVSU has locked down the arc, holding opponents to just 24.5%.
- Laker Pressure: Grand Valley State owns a +8.0 turnover margin and ranks among national leaders with 13.5 steals per game.
- Free-Throw Trend: USF is shooting 56.9% from the line, while both opponents exceed 80% (CSU .803, GVSU .861).
Coach's Corner
"We are excited to have 3 very good, well coached teams come to the Stewart Center this weekend. We know we will have to play very well to be successful, but we are looking forward to the opportunity."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Tipoffs:
- Friday, Nov. 21 – 7:00 p.m. vs Chadron State
- Saturday, Nov. 22 – 7:00 p.m. vs Grand Valley State
Location: Stewart Center – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Broadcast: NSIC Network
Live Stats: Follow Here
Tournament Central: USF Classic
Next Up: USF continues its homestand on Nov. 25 against Southwest Minnesota State in the NSIC opener.
Stay Connected
For all things USF Men's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
