By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team returns to the Stewart Center this week for a challenging Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference doubleheader, hosting St. Cloud State on Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 p.m. before welcoming Minnesota State on Saturday, December 20 at 3:00 p.m.
The Cougars face two teams with distinctly different identities in this critical conference stretch. St. Cloud State arrives as one of the league's most complete teams, combining lockdown defense with balanced offensive firepower. Minnesota State counters with a veteran, size-driven attack built around one of the NSIC's most imposing frontcourts. Both matchups present opportunities for USF to build momentum at home as the conference race heats up.
Scouting St. Cloud State (7–3, 5–0 NSIC)
St. Cloud State rolls into Sioux Falls riding a perfect 5–0 conference record, establishing themselves as one of the NSIC's most well-rounded squads. The Huskies score 77.1 points per game while surrendering just 68.3—the stingiest scoring defense in the league—producing a robust +8.8 scoring margin.
SCSU operates with efficiency and balance on offense, converting 42.5 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from three-point range. Where the Huskies truly dominate is on the boards, leading the NSIC with 43.2 rebounds per game and a commanding +7.9 rebounding margin. They also apply consistent defensive pressure, swiping 7.3 steals per contest.
Luke Winkel paces the attack and ranks third in the conference with 20.9 points per game, shooting a crisp 48.8 percent from the field while facilitating with 4.6 assists per contest. Wyatt Hawks owns the paint with 10.1 points and a league-leading 8.5 rebounds per game. Anish Ramlall (9.8 PPG) and Bob Griechen (10.3 PPG) round out a deep scoring arsenal that brings consistent production and toughness across the rotation.
Scouting Minnesota State (7–6, 1–4 NSIC)
Minnesota State enters the weekend at 7–6 overall with a veteran roster constructed around size and interior dominance. The Mavericks put up 77.2 points per game while allowing 71.8, holding a respectable +5.3 scoring margin that ranks fifth in the conference.
MSU shoots 43.4 percent from the floor and 29.9 percent from beyond the arc, but their bread and butter is pounding the paint. The Mavericks rank fourth in the league with 39.4 rebounds per game and a +3.2 rebounding margin. They also protect the rim aggressively, ranking among conference leaders with 3.7 blocked shots per contest.
Malcolm Jones powers the Mavericks with 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 56.1 percent from the field. Caden Kirkman supplies a second interior weapon with 12.2 points and 7.4 rebounds, while Traijan Sain contributes 12.0 points per game and has remarkably remained perfect from the free-throw line. Colton Benson (9.2 PPG) and Arhman Lewis (7.7 PPG, 3.4 APG) complete a balanced starting five that can hurt opponents in multiple ways.
Cougar Spotlight
USF enters the homestand averaging 83.2 points per game, ranking fourth in the NSIC in scoring despite shooting just 29.2 percent from three and 68.3 percent from the charity stripe. The Cougars have sustained offensive production while emphasizing defensive consistency and attacking the glass with renewed purpose.
Taylen Ashley leads the charge, ranking seventh in the conference at 18.5 points per game while adding 3.0 assists and connecting on 34.4 percent from three-point range. Kyle Ingwerson (14.3 PPG) and Brogan Madson (14.5 PPG) give the Cougars multiple perimeter scoring threats, with Ingwerson ranking sixth in the league in three-point shooting at 36.4 percent.
Brandon Hrncir provides steady interior production with 12.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while Camden Davis ranks fifth in the NSIC in rebounding at 6.9 per contest and third in offensive boards. Collectively, USF ranks second in the conference in rebounding margin at +5.3 and leads the entire NSIC in offensive rebound percentage—turning second chances into a defining advantage.
Numbers Game
- Offensive Balance: USF averages 83.2 points per game, ranking fourth in the NSIC despite shooting under 30 percent from three—demonstrating diverse scoring methods.
- Glass Work: The Cougars rank second in the conference in rebounding margin at +5.3 and first in offensive rebound percentage, creating extra possessions.
- Husky Defense: St. Cloud State surrenders just 68.3 points per game, the best scoring defense in the NSIC and a hallmark of their unbeaten conference start.
- Interior Control: The Huskies lead the league in rebounding at 43.2 boards per game, controlling possessions and limiting second chances.
- Maverick Muscle: Minnesota State ranks fourth in the NSIC in rebounding and third in blocked shots, protecting the rim and dominating the paint.
- Efficiency Inside: Malcolm Jones shoots 56.1 percent from the field, ranking fourth in the conference and exemplifying MSU's interior excellence.
Coach's Corner
"Looking forward to getting back in the Stewart Center this week. St. Cloud and Mankato are two very good teams, and we will have to continue to keep getting better to have a chance at successs this week. We are getting closer, we just need to get over the hump."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Thursday vs. St. Cloud State
Saturday vs. No. 2 Minnesota State
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