SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Behind one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team powered past (RV) Southwest Minnesota State, 92–80, on Tuesday night at the Stewart Center. The Cougars improved to 4–2 (1–0 NSIC) with efficient scoring, a dominant paint presence, and standout efforts from freshman Krista Langager and sophomore guard Anna Vaaler.
USF shot 53.8 percent from the field, scored 54 points in the paint, and generated 19 fastbreak points while holding off a Mustang team that connected on 12 threes and pulled down 21 offensive rebounds.
Game Summary
USF built momentum through the first two quarters before taking full control in the second half, leaning on efficiency instead of volume as SMSU attempted 83 shots to the Cougars' 65. USF's poise, interior scoring, and ability to respond to Mustang runs proved decisive.
The Cougars posted 17 assists, won the turnover battle by five, and put eight different players in the scoring column. SMSU threatened several times in the fourth quarter, but USF's composure and offensive execution down the stretch secured the win.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
1st Quarter – SMSU 32, USF 25
A fast-paced first quarter saw USF shoot 64.3 percent on 9-of-14 shooting with 12 points in the paint. SMSU countered with six made threes and 32 total points to build an early lead despite the Cougars' efficiency.
2nd Quarter – SMSU 50, USF 45
USF tightened defensively, holding SMSU to 41.2 percent shooting while scoring eighteen more points on 7-of-17 shooting. Brown controlled the tempo, and Langager's interior scoring kept the Cougars within five at the break.
3rd Quarter – USF 68, SMSU 64
The Cougars took over the game with a 23-point quarter, shooting 50 percent and forcing five Mustang turnovers. Back-to-back baskets from Langager and two threes from Murtaugh sparked an 8–0 run, giving USF its first major lead of the night.
4th Quarter – USF 92, SMSU 80
USF delivered a strong finish with 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting and a 9-of-10 mark at the free throw line. The defense held SMSU to 31.6 percent from the field and 2-of-9 from deep, and Vaaler's transition three helped seal the win.
Key Coo Performers
- Krista Langager – 25 points, 11 rebounds, 10-of-15 shooting
- Anna Vaaler – 24 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks
- Ayla Brown – 10 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
- Rease Murtaugh – 12 points, 2 threes, 3 steals
Key Team Stats
- Paint Dominance: USF outscored SMSU 54–34 in the paint, consistently attacking mismatches and finishing at a high rate.
- Efficiency Matters: The Cougars shot 53.8 percent from the field compared to SMSU's 37.3 percent on 83 attempts.
- Defensive Pressure: USF forced 15 Mustang turnovers and turned them into 18 points.
- Fastbreak Impact: The Cougars produced 19 fastbreak points, creating separation through pace and transition scoring.
- Bench Boost: USF's bench delivered 18 points, providing balance against SMSU's high-possession style.
- Rebounding Battle: USF collected 41 total rebounds and weathered SMSU's 21 offensive boards by securing key stops late.
Coach's Corner
"I thought tonight was a really nice effort. Southwest kind of punched us in the mouth right off the bat, and we were able to just stay in the game until half. I thought our toughness got much better in the second half. Krista really helped us, as they had no answer for her, and Anna did what Anna does. It was a really nice team effort against a very good Southwest team. Great to always start 1-0 in conference play."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Up Next
USF returns to the Stewart Center on Saturday, November 29, hosting Northern State at 3:00 p.m. in a non-conference bout.
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