ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team delivered one of its more complete defensive performances of the season but saw the effort come up just short in overtime, falling 95–92 to Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday afternoon inside the Gangelhoff Center. Sioux Falls held the Golden Bears below their season scoring pace through regulation, but timely free-throw shooting and late execution allowed CSP to pull away in the extra period.
Game Summary
The opening half unfolded as a game of runs, with both teams repeatedly getting to the free-throw line and trading momentum. Sioux Falls remained aggressive on the offensive end, attacking the paint and capitalizing at the stripe while responding to CSP's transition spurts. Brogan Madson and Kyle Ingwerson delivered key baskets during multiple stretches, helping the Cougars withstand the pace and take a slim 44–41 lead into halftime.
The second half stayed physical and tightly contested, as Concordia-St. Paul continued to push tempo off both makes and misses. Sioux Falls matched that intensity and defended well relative to the Golden Bears' offensive firepower, but free throws and a handful of untimely turnovers allowed CSP to stay within striking distance. The Cougars executed down the stretch to force overtime tied at 79–79, but CSP's efficiency at the line in the second half and overtime ultimately tilted the result.
How It Happened
First Half
The opening 20 minutes were physical and whistle-heavy, with Sioux Falls finding success by attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line. The Cougars weren't sharp from the field (15-of-35) or from three (3-of-12), but they made it count at the stripe, going 11-of-17 while capitalizing on Concordia-St. Paul's struggles with the ball—converting 11 Golden Bear turnovers into nine points.
CSP had no trouble scoring when they protected the ball—17-of-35 shooting, 4-of-11 from deep—but USF held the advantage in the less obvious areas. The Cougars got solid bench production (23–7 edge), and the game stayed tight throughout: four ties, seven lead changes, constant back-and-forth. Sioux Falls carried a slim 44–41 lead into the break.
Second Half
Concordia-St. Paul shifted momentum after halftime. The Golden Bears picked up their pace and defensive pressure, getting to the line 19 times (making 12) compared to just 11 attempts for USF (10 made). They scored 20 points in the paint and pushed for 12 fast-break points, making the Cougars work for everything.
Sioux Falls stayed efficient—12-of-31 shooting, 10-of-11 from the line—but found fewer clean looks from three (1-of-5) as CSP's defense tightened up (five steals, three blocks). With rebounding nearly even (USF 19, CSP 20) and turnovers close (USF 6, CSP 7), the difference came down to CSP's ability to generate points in transition and at the free-throw line. The game ended regulation knotted at 79–79.
Overtime
The extra period came down to free throws. Concordia-St. Paul went 8-of-9 from the stripe in overtime, scoring eight of their 16 OT points at the line. Sioux Falls managed just 2-of-4 at the stripe, though they shot well otherwise—4-of-8 from the field and 3-of-4 from three.
The Cougars got strong bench play in overtime (11 points), but CSP's paint scoring (eight points) and free-throw shooting proved to be the difference. With turnovers clean on both sides (one each), the Golden Bears held on for a 95–92 victory.
Coach's Corner
"We played a lot better today than last night so that was encouraging. We have to be better in late game situations, and we will continue to keep working on that. Proud of their fight."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Free Throws: Concordia-St. Paul attempted 19 free throws in the second half and went 8-of-9 at the line in overtime, while USF finished just 2-of-4 from the stripe in the extra period.
- Turnovers: USF forced 11 CSP turnovers in the first half but committed several costly giveaways late, allowing the Golden Bears to convert key possessions down the stretch.
- Halftime Lead: The Cougars carried a 44–41 advantage into the break behind efficient first-half scoring and strong half-court defense.
- Transition Pressure: CSP generated 12 fast-break points in the second half, using pace after both makes and misses to apply constant pressure.
- Overtime Scoring: Concordia-St. Paul scored 16 points in overtime, with the majority coming at the free-throw line to seal the 95–92 decision.
Up Next
The Cougars return home to continue NSIC play later this week with a matchup against St. Cloud State on Thursday, December 18th at 5:30pm in the Stewart Center.
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