SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team gutted out a hard-earned 79–76 victory over St. Cloud State on Thursday night inside the Stewart Center, overcoming cold shooting stretches and a physical battle to close the game with toughness and composure. In a contest defined by momentum swings and interior play, the Cougars made enough winning plays late to secure their eighth win of the season.
Game Summary
USF shot 45.2 percent from the field and leaned heavily on its inside-out balance, outscoring St. Cloud State 40–32 in the paint while collecting 10 offensive rebounds, some extremely timely that helped change the outcome of the game. The Cougars also capitalized at the free-throw line, going 15-for-18 (83.3 percent), including important makes in the fourth quarter that helped seal the result.
Krista Langager anchored the interior with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Anna Vaaler added 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. USF's bench provided a major lift, led by Rease Murtaugh's 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting and 3-of-5 from three, as the Cougars outscored the Huskies 20–37 off the bench in a tight contest.
How It Happened
First Quarter
St. Cloud State controlled the opening quarter, shooting 8-for-16 from the field and knocking down four three-pointers to build a 27–18 lead. The Huskies used a 7-0 scoring run to build an 11-point lead in the quarter, setting the tone early. USF stayed within reach by attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the stripe, but struggled to find rhythm from three-point range.
Second Quarter
The Cougars settled in defensively in the second quarter, holding St. Cloud State to 5-for-14 shooting and just 13 points. USF shot 6-for-15 in the period and began to chip away at the deficit with steady playmaking from Anna Vaaler who heated up for 10 second quarter points. Despite continued perimeter struggles, USF trimmed the margin to seven at halftime, trailing 40–33.
Third Quarter
USF made its move coming out of the break, turning in its highest scoring quarter of the night. The Cougars went 8-for-18 from the field and connected on five three-pointers after going just 2-for-12 from deep in the first half. Vaaler and Rease Murtaugh led the charge from the perimeter as USF outscored St. Cloud State 24–23, cutting the deficit to three entering the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
The Cougars closed the game with toughness and balance, scoring 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting while holding St. Cloud State to 5-for-15 from the floor. Langager was a force inside collecting 12 points in the quarter despite battling foul trouble. Rease Murtaugh delivered huge baskets off the bench, and USF controlled the final minutes by converting at the free-throw line. The defensive stops and late execution sealed the 79–76 comeback win.
Coach's Corner
"That was the definition of a grinder. All the credit in the world goes to St. Cloud. We probably got outplayed for 35 minutes, but I'm really proud of our kids for the fight they had to be able to finish the game. I thought we had lots of good individual performances, but it takes a team to be able to win close games like that."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Paint Points: USF outscored St. Cloud State 40–32 in the paint, consistently generating interior offense.
- Free Throws: The Cougars went 15-for-18 at the line, including key makes late.
- Bench Impact: USF received 20 points from its bench, led by Murtaugh's spark.
- Second Chances: St. Cloud State scored 12 second-chance points, but USF limited damage late.
- Ball Security: USF committed 14 turnovers but forced 10, helping keep the margin manageable.
Up Next
The Cougars remain home to host No. 2 Minnesota State on Saturday, December 20, with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m. inside the Stewart Center. The matchup marks USF's final game before Christmas break.
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