SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team delivered a resilient, well-rounded effort Thursday night inside the Stewart Center, earning an 82–77 win over St. Cloud State in a physical NSIC battle. After a challenging stretch, the Cougars leaned into defensive toughness, relentless pressure at the free-throw line, and timely performances from Brogan Madson, Alex Mattes, Kyle Ingwerson, and Jacoby Mehrman to grind out a much-needed home victory.
Game Summary
Sioux Falls set the tone with a balance of efficiency and aggression, shooting 44.0 percent from the field while knocking down nine three-pointers and repeatedly getting downhill to draw contact. Madson led the charge with a career night, scoring 33 points on an ultra-efficient 10-of-14 shooting performance and going 11-of-15 at the free-throw line. Ingwerson complemented the attack with 19 points, including four makes from beyond the arc, as USF spaced the floor and moved the ball with purpose.
The Cougars took control after halftime, outscoring St. Cloud State 46–44 behind improved shooting and poise at the stripe. USF connected on 48.0 percent of its shots in the second half and went 18-of-24 from the free-throw line to withstand every Huskies push. Mattes delivered a spark off the bench with 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Mehrman made his presence felt on the glass and defensively as Sioux Falls closed the door late.
How It Happened
First Half
The opening 20 minutes unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, featuring 5 ties and 9 lead changes with constant momentum shifts. Sioux Falls shot 40.0 percent from the floor and buried five three-pointers, using shot-making and spacing to counter St. Cloud State's activity on the glass. Madson found ways to score at all three levels, Ingwerson stretched the defense on the perimeter, and Mattes injected energy off the bench.
On the defensive end, the Cougars were locked in. USF held the Huskies to 32.4 percent shooting in the half and limited them to just 2-of-14 from three, forcing St. Cloud State into tough looks late in possessions. Despite giving up second-chance points, Sioux Falls dictated enough of the tempo to take a 36–33 lead into the locker room.
Second Half
St. Cloud State came out sharper offensively after the break, shooting 47.4 percent and scoring 44 points, but Sioux Falls matched that surge with execution and physicality. The Cougars raised their shooting to 48.0 percent and consistently attacked the rim, putting pressure on the Huskies' defense and earning trips to the free-throw line.
Madson cashed in 22 of his 33 points in the second half and Ingwerson nailed three triples. Mehrman controlled the glass, finishing with 12 rebounds as the Cougars methodically closed out the game. By going 18-of-24 at the line in the second half, Sioux Falls sealed the win with composure and toughness down the stretch.
Coach's Corner
"Really proud of our effort tonight, especially on the defensive side. We had some huge performances tonight from Brogan, Mattes, Kyle and Jacoby. Everyone chipped in and I was very happy to see the guys get rewarded for their hard work."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
- Brogan Madson – 33 points (10-14 FG, 2-3 3PT, 11-15 FT), 3 rebounds
- Kyle Ingwerson – 19 points (5-13 FG, 4-7 3PT, 5-7 FT)
- Alex Mattes – 16 points (4-6 FG, 2-3 3PT, 6-9 FT), 2 assists
- Jacoby Mehrman – 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Key Team Stats
- Free Throws: USF went 29-of-42 at the line, including 18-of-24 in the second half to close out the win.
- Perimeter Shooting: The Cougars shot 47.4 percent from three (9-of-19), providing critical spacing and momentum.
- Defense: Sioux Falls held St. Cloud State to 22.2 percent shooting from three (6-of-27).
- Rebounding: USF won the rebounding battle 44–42, led by Mehrman's 12 boards and Laue's nine off the bench.
- Balance: Four Cougars scored in double figures and the bench contributed 23 points.
Up Next
The Cougars return to action on Saturday, December 20th, hosting Minnesota State at 3:00 p.m. inside the Stewart Center. The matchup marks USF's final game before the Christmas break.
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