SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team battled wire-to-wire on Saturday night inside the Stewart Center but came up just short in a 77–73 loss to undefeated Grand Valley State to close out the USF Classic. The Cougars used a strong second half and a dominant night on the glass to claw back into the game, but the Lakers' efficiency around the rim proved to be the difference.

Game Summary

USF trailed 40–30 at halftime after the Lakers shot 18-for-32 in the opening period, including 32 points in the paint. The Cougars regrouped with a 43-point second half, sparked by aggressive drives, timely perimeter shooting, and a massive rebounding advantage that grew to 45–29 by the final horn.

Despite taking a 65–63 lead with under seven minutes remaining, USF couldn't fully overcome Grand Valley State's interior scoring and late shot-making. The Lakers finished with 52 points in the paint and 20 points off turnovers, while USF countered with 23 second-chance points and 48 points in the paint of their own.

How It Happened

First Half
Grand Valley State's offense clicked early, shooting 56 percent in the first half and scoring 32 of its 40 points in the paint. The Lakers also turned seven USF turnovers into 14 points, creating separation despite the Cougars eclipsing them on the boards with 18 rebounds.

USF shot 13-for-33 before halftime and generated balanced scoring led by Ashley, Hrncir, and Madson, but a 1-for-12 mark from three-point range limited the offensive rhythm. The Cougars trailed 40–30 going into the break.

Second Half
USF surged back by shooting 17-for-35 in the second half and grabbing 27 rebounds, including 14 on the offensive glass. The Cougars produced 14 second-chance points in the period and went 4-for-16 from three while getting key baskets from Hrncir, Madson, and Ingwerson.

Grand Valley State stayed efficient from the field at 48 percent and hit four second-half threes. The Cougars cut the deficit multiple times and briefly took the lead on a three-point play, but the Lakers answered with timely scoring from Alderink and Charity in the closing minutes. GVSU sealed the game with free throws in the final 40 seconds to escape with the four-point win.

Coach's Corner

"I thought we played our best game in terms of effort and toughness. We just didn't shoot it well enough from the floor or the line, plus we had too many turnovers to beat a team as good as GVSU. But I'm really proud of our fight."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson

Key Coo

• Taylen Ashley – 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
• Brogan Madson – 16 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
• Brandon Hrncir – 18 points (8-10 FG), 7 rebounds
• Kyle Ingwerson – 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
• Camden Davis – 6 points, 4 rebounds
• Jacoby Mehrman – 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks

Key Team Stats

• Rebounding Control: USF held a 45–29 advantage on the glass, including 23 offensive rebounds, which fueled 23 second-chance points.
• Paint Battle: Both teams scored heavily inside, with USF posting 48 points in the paint while GVSU countered with 52, using downhill drives and post touches throughout.
• Turnovers: The Cougars committed 18 turnovers that the Lakers converted into 20 points—but the Cougars countered with 18 points off the Lakers 12 turnovers.
• Balanced Offense: USF scored 73 points with four players reaching double figures and shot 48.6 percent in the second half.
• Bench Production: USF's bench scored eight points, while Grand Valley State's contributed 22, giving the Lakers key support in both halves.

Up Next

The Cougars remain home for their next matchup, hosting Southwest Minnesota State on Tuesday, November 25 at the Stewart Center.

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