SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team opened NSIC play on Tuesday night inside the Stewart Center, falling 79–71 to Southwest Minnesota State. The Mustangs shot 54 percent from the field and used a decisive start to both halves to keep the Cougars at arm's length despite several USF surges.
Game Summary
Southwest Minnesota State came out hot, shooting 16-for-29 in the first half and scoring 24 points in the paint to take a 38–32 lead into the break. USF countered with four first-half threes and strong interior play but struggled with finishing and free throws early.
The Mustangs maintained control by shooting 16-for-30 in the second half and adding 24 more points in the paint. USF rallied multiple times, cutting the deficit to as few as three, but SMSU's shot-making and efficiency inside—along with just nine turnovers—allowed them to close the game out.
USF shot 27-for-64 for the night, hit nine threes, and won points off turnovers 15–7 but was outscored 48–34 in the paint and 17–11 in bench points.
How It Happened
First Half
SMSU set the tone by shooting 55 percent from the field and scoring 24 points in the paint before halftime. The Mustangs used balanced inside scoring and a trio of threes to build their early advantage. USF kept the game tight by going 12-for-33 from the field and hitting four threes while forcing six Mustang turnovers.
Taylen Ashley, Kyle Ingwerson, and Jacoby Mehrman combined for 25 first-half points, and the Cougars added six offensive rebounds to generate second-chance opportunities. Still, SMSU closed the half with a late three to take a 38–32 lead into the locker room.
Second Half
Southwest Minnesota State carried its efficiency into the second half, shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three while adding four second-chance points and 24 points in the paint. The Mustangs continued to rely on high-percentage looks, keeping their lead intact despite USF finding more offensive rhythm after the break.
USF shot 48.4 percent in the half and connected on five three-pointers while also generating 10 fast-break points. The Cougars held a 18–15 rebounding advantage in the period and received scoring from multiple players, but five turnovers and SMSU's consistent interior production made it difficult to close the gap. Although USF cut the deficit several times, the Mustangs' balanced scoring and efficient possessions late helped secure the outcome.
Coach's Corner
"If we want to start winning games, we're going to have to be better defensively. We just haven't reached that standard yet. I thought we took care of the ball better, and we were able to get a couple of guys going from the perimeter."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Paint Differential: SMSU outscored USF 48–34 in the paint, using consistent downhill drives and post touches in both halves.
- Shooting Efficiency: SMSU shot 32-for-59 from the field (54 percent), including 6-for-14 from deep, while USF went 27-for-64 overall and 9-for-23 from three.
- Turnover Battle: USF committed just seven turnovers and turned SMSU's nine giveaways into 15 points, giving the Cougars an edge in transition scoring.
- Rebounding: USF finished with a 33–36 deficit on the boards, including 11 offensive rebounds that turned into six second-chance points.
- Bench Production: SMSU held a 17–11 advantage in bench scoring and got timely minutes from their reserves in both halves.
Up Next
USF continues its homestand on Friday, November 28, hosting Peru State at 6:00 p.m. inside the Stewart Center.
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