By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team returns home on Saturday for one of the most anticipated matchups on the schedule, hosting rival Augustana University at the Stewart Center. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. as the Cougars seek their first NSIC victory of the season against a Viking squad off to a strong 2–0 start in league play.
The in-city rivalry returns with both teams ranking among the NSIC's top offensive units and featuring two of the league's premier guards in USF's Taylen Ashley and Augustana's Tameron Ferguson.
Scouting the Vikings (4-3, 2-0 NSIC)
Augustana enters the matchup at 4–3 overall and 2–0 in NSIC play, averaging 83.3 points per game — fourth in the conference. The Vikings have topped 94 points in both league contests, showcasing one of the most explosive offenses in the NSIC. Their shooting efficiency has been equally impressive, ranking second in field goal percentage at 49.9 percent and third in three-point percentage at 38.8 percent.
Junior guard Tameron Ferguson is the NSIC's leading scorer at 21.0 points per game and ranks second in field goal percentage at 62.9 percent. Forward Caden Hinker adds 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, ranking second in the league in rebounding. The Vikings also distribute the ball well, tying for the NSIC lead in assists per game at 16.6.
Defensively, Augustana holds opponents to 75.3 points while allowing 43.2 percent shooting — both middle-tier marks but stabilized by strong defensive rebounding (29.3 per game).
Cougar Spotlight
USF enters at 2–5 with one of the top rebounding margins in the NSIC (+7.43), sitting tied with St. Cloud State for the league lead. The Cougars have generated consistent second-chance opportunities behind 14.7 offensive rebounds per game, the highest total in the conference.
Sophomore guard Taylen Ashley continues to emerge as one of the NSIC's top scoring guards, averaging 16.0 points per game while ranking 11th in three-point makes per game (2.14) and eighth in assists per game at 3.14. Forward Brandon Hrncir remains one of the league's most efficient post scorers, shooting 69.4 percent from the field and averaging 5.6 rebounds.
Freshman Brogan Madson has been a major spark with 12.7 points per game and ranks among the NSIC leaders in steals at 1.71 per game, fitting seamlessly into USF's aggressive defensive identity. Sophomore Kyle Ingwerson continues to stretch defenses, ranking second in the league in three-pointers made per game (3.00).
USF averages 79.6 points per game, ranking seventh in the NSIC, and generates 16.57 assists per game — tying with Augustana for most in the NSIC. Defensive consistency remains the focus, with opponents shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three.
Numbers Game
- Firepower on Display: Augustana is averaging 83.3 points while USF sits at 79.6 — two of the league's top seven scoring teams meeting head-to-head.
- Battle at the Arc: The Vikings shoot 38.8 percent from three, while USF is holding at 28.1 percent; limiting Augie's perimeter looks will be crucial.
- Rebounding Edge: USF owns the NSIC's best offensive rebounding rate at 38.6 percent, a key counter to Augie's elite defensive rebounding unit.
- Hands on the Ball: The Cougars rank fourth in the NSIC in steals per game (7.86), while Augie sits near the bottom at 5.71 — an area where USF can generate momentum.
- Efficiency Race: The Vikings boast the NSIC's second-best field goal percentage (49.9 percent), while USF aims to improve from 45.3 percent entering Saturday.
Coach's Corner
"Augie is playing really well. They are 2–0 in the league and are averaging over 95 points per game in conference play. Our defense has to take a big step. These rivalry games are always intense, and we will need to show great poise."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Tipoff: Saturday, Dec. 6 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Stewart Center – Sioux Falls, S.D.
Watch: NSIC Network
Live Stats: USFCougars.com
Tickets: USFCougars.com/Tickets
Stay Connected
For all things USF Men's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
