By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team returns home for a pivotal Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference weekend that will test their championship mettle. The Cougars host St. Cloud State on Thursday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. before welcoming second-ranked Minnesota State on Saturday, December 20 at 5:00 p.m.
USF enters the homestand at 7–3 overall and 4–1 in NSIC play, riding momentum from a split road weekend that featured a dramatic victory at Concordia–St. Paul. With conference standings tightening before the holiday break, this two-game stretch at the Stewart Center offers an important barometer against opponents with contrasting styles.
Scouting St. Cloud State (4–6 Overall, 1–4 NSIC)
St. Cloud State arrives in Sioux Falls at 4–6 overall and 1–4 in conference play, but the Huskies have proven they can hang with anyone in the league. Their games are typically decided by one or two possessions, with SCSU averaging 71.3 points while surrendering just 70.3. The Huskies connect on 42.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, but their most impressive statistic may be their 19.4 assists per game—the top of the conference and a testament to unselfish ball movement.
Guard Jada Eggebrecht powers the SCSU offense with 14.7 points per game overall, elevating her production to 16.4 points in conference games while draining 47.6 percent of her three-point attempts in NSIC play. Alana Zarneke complements Eggebrecht's scoring with 13.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest, providing a second perimeter weapon. Inside, Abigail O'Reilly supplies a physical presence with 8.3 points and a team-leading 5.9 rebounds per game, while Kristi Kottke chips in 7.7 points with solid two-way contributions.
The Huskies' defensive identity centers on activity and discipline rather than gambling for steals. They average 8.5 takeaways per game while holding opponents to 42.2 percent shooting and corralling 38.8 rebounds per contest. St. Cloud State's patient offensive approach—sharing the ball, and generating quality looks late in possessions—makes them a dangerous road opponent, especially if they establish offensive rhythm early.
Scouting Minnesota State (11–0 Overall, 5–0 NSIC)
Second-ranked Minnesota State enters the weekend as one of the most dominant forces in Division II basketball. The Mavericks are a perfect 11–0 overall and 5–0 in the NSIC, boasting statistical superiority across nearly every category. Minnesota State erupts for 99.3 points per game while limiting opponents to 68.7, creating a staggering +30.5 scoring margin. They shoot 48.0 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three-point range while distributing 18.1 assists per game and forcing more than 34 turnovers per contest.
The Mavericks' offensive firepower runs six players deep, each averaging at least eight points per game. Natalie Bremer leads the assault with 21.0 points per contest while shooting an efficient 52.0 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three. Elisabeth Gadient adds 11.9 points per game, while Mackenzie Schweim (9.8 PPG), Haylee Stokes (9.4 PPG), and Rhyan Holmgren (8.9 PPG) provide consistent scoring across multiple positions. Ava Stier anchors the paint with 8.2 points and a team-high 5.3 rebounds per game.
Minnesota State's defense may be even more impressive than its offense. The Mavericks pressure opponents relentlessly, averaging 21.3 steals and forcing 34.4 turnovers per game—converting defense into instant offense. They also control the glass with 40.6 rebounds per contest and convert at a 79 percent clip from the charity stripe. With their combination of pace, depth, and physicality, the Mavericks present one of the toughest challenges in the nation and serve as a measuring stick for every team in the NSIC.
Cougar Spotlight
USF enters the homestand playing confident basketball, ranking among the NSIC's elite offensive teams. The Cougars average 74.6 points per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three. USF has also demonstrated improved poise in conference play, trimming turnovers to 12.4 per game while increasing assist production to 16.4 per contest.
Sophomore guard Anna Vaaler continues her breakout season, averaging 22.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while connecting on 41.9 percent from three-point range. In conference action, she's maintained that elite level with 21.6 points per game, establishing herself as one of the NSIC's most reliable perimeter threats. Freshman post Krista Langager has emerged as a force in the paint, averaging 13.4 points and 7.0 rebounds overall—numbers that jump to 17.0 points and 8.2 rebounds in conference games.
Ayla Brown orchestrates the offense with precision, dishing out 5.6 assists per game while logging nearly 37 minutes per contest. Alexis Rose provides valuable secondary scoring at 10.8 points per game, and Dani Minsaas brings versatility with an excellent 2.27 assist-to-turnover ratio and the defensive flexibility to guard multiple positions. With Rease Murtaugh injecting energy and defensive intensity off the bench, USF's rotation has steadily gained confidence heading into this crucial homestand.
Numbers Game
- Deep Danger: USF is shooting 34.8% from three as a team, and the Cougars' spacing will be key against two defenses that force tough half-court possessions.
- Conference Control: USF sits at 4–1 in NSIC play and boasts a perfect 5–0 record at home this season, making the Stewart Center a genuine home-court advantage.
- Husky Movement: St. Cloud State's 19.4 assists per game rank among the NSIC's best, showcasing exceptional ball movement and unselfish play.
- Eggebrecht Factor: Jada Eggebrecht leads SCSU with 14.7 points per game while shooting 40.0 percent from three, making perimeter defense paramount for the Cougars.
- Maverick Margin: Minnesota State's 99.3 points per game and +30.5 scoring margin represent the best offensive profile in Division II basketball.
- Turnover Pressure: The Mavericks force 34.4 turnovers per game, ranking among the nation's elite in defensive disruption and transition offense.
Coach's Corner
"Should be an exciting weekend playing two teams with very different styles. We picked up a big win at Concordia–St. Paul, so we have some momentum heading into this stretch. We're excited to be back at the Stewart Center. Both teams we're facing are excellent, and we'll need to be at our absolute best to give ourselves a chance. We need a strong week of practice to prepare for two completely different approaches. Being 4–1 at this point in conference play, we understand how critical this homestand is before the Christmas break."
- Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Inside the Gym
Thursday vs. St. Cloud State
Saturday vs. No. 2 Minnesota State
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