SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team turned in its most complete performance of the young season on Friday afternoon, racing past South Dakota Mines 84–59 to open the USF Classic inside the Stewart Center. The Cougars delivered an explosive first quarter, piled up 27 points in the opening frame, and never trailed on their way to improving to 2–2 on the year.
USF shot 54.4 percent from the field, assisted on 24 of its 31 made baskets, and posted four double-digit scorers in a wire-to-wire win that showcased both efficiency and depth.
Game Summary
The Cougars immediately seized control with a 27–10 first quarter, fueled by four made threes and 13 early rebounds. USF built a 19-point lead at halftime and pushed the margin above 20 midway through the third. South Dakota Mines made several small runs behind Savea Mansfield's team-high 16 points, but USF's ball movement, interior scoring, and rebounding advantage proved too much.
The Cougars owned a 40–22 edge in points in the paint and scored 17 points off turnovers. USF also dominated the glass with a 43–34 advantage, including 12 offensive rebounds.
How It Happened
1st Quarter — USF 27, SD Mines 10
USF opened the game with one of its strongest quarters of the season, shooting 55.6 percent from the floor and 4-of-10 from three. Krista Langager led the early surge with 11 points on a perfect 5-for-5 start, while Anna Vaaler added 8 points and Ayla Brown handed out 2 assists. The Cougars controlled the boards and turned five Hardrocker turnovers into a quick 17-point lead at 27–10.
2nd Quarter — USF 43, SD Mines 32
South Dakota Mines responded with improved shooting, hitting 42.1 percent and four threes in the quarter to reduce the deficit. USF maintained control behind another 6 points from Langager, steady guard play from Brown and Minsaas, and Vaaler reaching double figures by halftime. The Cougars shot 54.5 percent in the period and carried an 11-point lead into the break at 43–32.
3rd Quarter — USF 65, SD Mines 42
USF took full command after halftime, scoring 22 points on 64.3 percent shooting and limiting the Hardrockers to just 4-of-18 from the field. Brown fueled the run with 6 points and 4 assists, while Vaaler chipped in 8 points including two threes. The Cougars dominated the paint, forced eight turnovers, and extended the advantage to 23 entering the fourth quarter.
4th Quarter — USF 84, SD Mines 59
USF closed out the afternoon with consistent offense and defensive pressure, adding 19 more points on 43 percent shooting. Vaaler finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Brown completed a double-double with 13 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. The Cougars' bench added valuable production, and USF finished the game shooting 54 percent overall, 40 percent from deep, and outscoring Mines 40–22 in the paint.
Coach's Corner
"I thought we played a really nice, complete game today. Scoring 84 points and really pushing the pace, I liked the way we settled into the game quickly. Some individual performances were really good. I thought Krista established a nice low-post presence for us. Anna Vaaler having 22 points and 16 rebounds is pretty special, but you also have to mention Ayla Brown with 13 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds — one rebound away from a triple-double. Very proud of the kids. We'll have a quick turnaround to get ready for Black Hills State tomorrow, but I'm very, very happy with the steps we are taking since the beginning of the year."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Key Coo
- Anna Vaaler – 22 points, 16 rebounds, 4 threes, 6-for-6 FT
- Krista Langager – 22 points, 2 blocks, 9-for-12 FG
- Ayla Brown – 13 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds (one rebound away from a triple-double)
- Danielle Minsaas – 4 points, 4 assists, strong two-way presence
- Rease Murtaugh – 6 points, 2 steals, 2 threes
Key Team Stats
- Fast Start: USF set the tone immediately by scoring 27 points in the first quarter on 10-for-18 shooting with four made threes, establishing a rhythm and pace that Mines struggled to match early.
- Paint Control: The Cougars dominated the interior by outscoring South Dakota Mines 40–22 in the paint, consistently generating high-percentage looks and controlling the lane on both ends.
- Sharing the Ball: USF assisted on 24 of its 31 made field goals, moving the ball with purpose as Brown and Minsaas combined for 14 assists to fuel one of the team's most efficient offensive outings of the season.
- Glass Advantage: Sioux Falls won the rebounding battle 43–34, including 12 offensive rebounds, using strong efforts from Vaaler and Langager to create extra possessions and limit second-chance opportunities for Mines.
- Turnover Battle: The Cougars forced 13 turnovers and converted them into 17 points, using defensive pressure and active hands to generate momentum and transition opportunities throughout the game.
- Bench Boost: USF's bench contributed 17 points, providing valuable depth scoring that helped sustain the offensive pace while the starters anchored the scoring punch.
- Efficiency: The Cougars shot 54.4 percent overall and 40 percent from deep (10-for-25), producing one of their most balanced and efficient scoring performances across all four quarters.
Up Next
USF continues the USF Classic Saturday afternoon, hosting Black Hills State at 3:00 p.m. inside the Stewart Center.
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