SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team opened the USF Classic with a dominant 84–57 win over Chadron State on Friday night inside the Stewart Center, earning Head Coach Chris Johnson the 300th win of his collegiate coaching career.
Behind a massive 53–34 rebounding edge, 20 assists, and a 52-point second half, the Cougars controlled the game from start to finish to secure their first home victory of the season.
Game Summary
USF used a 32-point first half built on rebounding and second-chance opportunities, then erupted for 52 points in the second half behind efficient shooting and improved ball movement. The Cougars held Chadron State to 22-for-61 shooting and forced 16 turnovers, turning defensive pressure into 18 points the other way. Six Cougars scored eight or more points, helping USF extend its lead throughout the second half.
How It Happened
First Half
USF built early momentum by controlling the boards, holding a 25–21 rebounding advantage that included 11 offensive boards leading to eight second-chance points. The Cougars shot 12-for-34 in the half and added three threes, allowing them to generate consistent scoring despite stretches of cold shooting.
Defensively, USF limited Chadron State to 9-for-29 shooting at 31 percent and just three first-half threes. Eight forced turnovers helped offset the Eagles' brief scoring runs, and steady contributions from Hrncir, Ashley, and Ingwerson allowed the Cougars to take a 32–26 lead into halftime.
Second Half
The Cougars surged to full control by scoring 52 points on 50 percent shooting, fueled by five made threes and a near-perfect 13-for-14 performance at the free-throw line. USF continued its dominance on the glass with 28 more rebounds, including 10 offensive, turning them into 10 second-chance points.
Chadron State shot 13-for-32 in the second half but managed only two made threes. USF forced eight turnovers during the period and quickly converted them into 10 points while getting balanced scoring from Ashley, Ingwerson, Hrncir, and Mehrman as the lead stretched beyond reach.
Coach's Corner
"Thought we really guarded well tonight and played with more urgency. 21 O boards and 20 assists are great things to see as a coach. I'm really happy with how we played overall tonight."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Rebounding Edge: USF outrebounded Chadron State 53–34, including 21 offensive boards, which created numerous extended possessions and allowed the Cougars to dictate the game's physicality.
- Paint Production: USF scored 42 points in the paint, consistently finishing through contact and turning post touches and drives into high-percentage looks that wore down the Eagles' interior defense.
- Ball Movement: The Cougars tallied 20 assists on 29 made field goals, showing strong decision-making and inside-out rhythm that opened shots for multiple players throughout the lineup.
- Turnover Pressure: USF forced 16 turnovers and converted them into 18 points, capitalizing on defensive activity to create momentum and stretch the lead in both halves.
- Second-Chance Scoring: Thanks to 21 offensive rebounds, the Cougars produced 18 second-chance points, repeatedly punishing missed shots by extending possessions and finishing at the rim.
- Bench Impact: USF's bench added 20 points, giving the Cougars meaningful lift across rotations and maintaining offensive balance throughout the game.
- Shooting Balance: The Cougars hit eight threes and went 18-for-23 at the line, pairing perimeter scoring with efficient free-throw shooting to maintain control of the scoring pace.
Up Next
The Cougars continue USF Classic action on Saturday, November 22, hosting Grand Valley State at 7:00 p.m. inside the Stewart Center.
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