By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team returns to the Stewart Center for a two-game Thanksgiving weekend slate, hosting Peru State College on Friday, November 28 at 6:00 p.m. and Briar Cliff University on Saturday, November 29 at 5:00 p.m. The home stand gives the Cougars a chance to reset and regain momentum after a competitive opening stretch.
USF enters the weekend at 1–4 with one of the NSIC's top rebounding margins, a growing offensive identity, and a young core continuing to develop with each outing.
Scouting the Bobcats (6–5, 2–2 Heart of America)
Peru State arrives in Sioux Falls with an up-tempo offense and a 6–5 record behind strong shooting numbers and a balanced, veteran lineup. The Bobcats average 80.4 points per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from three. Their 9.6 made threes per game rank among the best of any USF opponent so far.
Defensively, Peru State allows 74.4 points per game and holds opponents to 45.7 percent shooting. They also own a +5.6 rebounding margin, averaging 35.7 rebounds per contest with 10.6 offensive boards. The Bobcats generate 7.3 steals per game and convert well at the foul line at 71.1 percent.
The Bobcats' team-wide efficiency — 48.5 percent from the floor and 39.6 percent from beyond the arc — makes them one of the strongest perimeter threats USF has faced to this point. PSC has 174 assists and 39 blocks through 11 games, showing they're a group that moves the ball and protects the rim effectively.
Scouting the Chargers (6–2, 3–0 GPAC)
Briar Cliff enters Saturday riding a four-game winning streak and boasting one of the NAIA's highest-scoring tandems. The Chargers average 81.6 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting, with a veteran rotation led by all-conference guard Blake Sindelar (21.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG) and forward Jaxson Wingert (20.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG).
The Chargers are elite from deep, averaging 8.1 made threes per game at 34.8 percent, highlighted by Dawson Mohr's 24 makes at a 47.1 percent clip. Briar Cliff shares the ball well with 14.0 assists per game and holds opponents to 45.2 percent shooting.
Defensively, the Chargers sit at +4.9 in scoring margin and +2.0 on the glass while forcing 10.4 turnovers per contest. Wil Lugar anchors their defensive activity with 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Briar Cliff has also protected the ball effectively with an assist-to-turnover mark of 1.2.
Cougar Spotlight
USF continues to grow through a tough early season schedule, leaning heavily on emerging leaders and several returners stepping into bigger roles. The Cougars are averaging 76.2 points per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field and 27.2 percent from three. Their +10.6 rebounding margin ranks as the NSIC's best.
Taylen Ashley leads USF at 18.0 points per game while adding 3.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 12 made threes. Forward Brandon Hrncir has been one of the league's most efficient interior scorers at 66.7 percent from the floor while averaging 14.0 points and a team-best 6.8 rebounds.
Freshman guard Brogan Madson continues to provide steady scoring at 12.2 points per game with a team-leading 19 assists, while Kyle Ingwerson adds 11.6 points and an NSIC-top-tier 14 made threes. Jacoby Mehrman has emerged as a productive two-way guard at 8.6 points per game with a team-leading 10 steals.
Focus areas this weekend include defending the three-point line, improving free-throw accuracy (61.8 percent), and tightening field-goal defense after opponents have shot 50.9 percent through five games.
Coach's Corner
"Ready to get back on the court this weekend against two very good teams. We have another opportunity to show growth in the areas that have hurt us so far. I'm excited to see our response."- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Numbers Game
- Pace and Punch: USF averages 76.2 points per game, but both Peru State (80.4) and Briar Cliff (81.6) can score in bunches, making early defensive tone critical.
- Control the Glass: The Cougars hold a dominant +10.6 rebounding margin, giving them a major opportunity to limit second-chance points against two strong shooting teams.
- Defend the Arc: Peru State shoots a dangerous 39.6 percent from three and Briar Cliff adds 8.1 threes per game, putting pressure on USF's perimeter rotations.
- Turnover Tempo: Peru State turns it over 15.1 times per game, while Briar Cliff has strong possessions, committing just 11.3 turnovers per game, meaning USF's ability to force mistakes could swing momentum in tight stretches.
- Transition Opportunities: Both Peru State and Briar Cliff allow over 74 points per game, giving USF chances to push tempo and generate early offense before defenses get set.
Inside the Stewart Center
Tip Off Times:
- Friday, Nov. 28 – 6:00 p.m. vs. Peru State
- Saturday, Nov. 29 – 5:00 p.m. vs. Briar Cliff
Stream: NSIC Network
Live Stats: USFCougars.com
Next Up: USF heads to Wayne State on Dec. 3 for its second NSIC matchup of the season.
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