SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team went the distance in a high-level rivalry battle on Saturday afternoon inside the Stewart Center, but despite a season-defining effort, the Cougars fell 108–106 in a double-overtime thriller to the Augustana Vikings. The matchup featured 12 lead changes, 13 ties, and standout performances on both sides before the Vikings escaped in the final minute of the second extra period.
Game Summary
USF built a 49–39 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and dynamic guard play. Taylen Ashley and Camden Davis combined for 33 first-half points, while the Cougars knocked down eight threes and committed only six turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.
Augustana responded with a strong second half, outscoring USF 52–41 while shooting 69 percent and converting 8-of-11 free throws. The Vikings used rebounding, second-chance scoring, and timely perimeter shooting to erase the deficit and force overtime tied 90–90.
In both overtime periods, USF continued to battle possession by possession, but Augustana's 12-for-15 free-throw shooting across the two OTs proved to be the deciding difference.
How It Happened
First Half
USF's offense was in rhythm from the opening tip, putting up 49 points on 20-for-34 shooting, including 8-for-17 from beyond the arc. The Cougars shared the ball with 10 first-half assists, limited themselves to six turnovers, and used four offensive rebounds to create early second-chance points.
Augustana stayed within reach by going 13-for-24 from the field, hitting four threes and knocking down 9-of-12 free throws, but USF's perimeter shooting and balanced scoring allowed the Cougars to take a 10-point, 49–39 advantage into the locker room.
Second Half
The Vikings flipped the script after halftime with an ultra-efficient 20-for-29 performance from the floor, piling up 30 points in the paint in the second half alone while adding three threes and eight free throws.
USF battled to hold the lead, knocking down 13 field goals, five threes, and 10-of-12 free throws over the final 20 minutes, while also grabbing eight offensive rebounds and turning them into 12 second-chance points. Augustana's relentless downhill pressure and timely shot-making, however, gradually erased the margin, and the game closed regulation knotted at 90–90.
Overtime
In the first overtime, both teams continued to trade punches. USF went 3-for-8 from the floor, including one three and a pair of free throws, while Augustana answered with two field goals and 5-of-6 makes at the line. Each side generated extra possessions on the glass, and the period ended level at 99–99.
The second extra frame came down to execution at the stripe and around the rim. USF again found looks, going 3-for-12 from the field and creating seven offensive rebounds in the period, but managed just 1-of-6 at the free-throw line. Augustana converted its lone field goal and capitalized at the line by going 7-of-9, inching ahead in the final minute and holding on for the 108–106 rivalry win.
Coach's Corner
"We're proud of our guys' fight and effort for 50 minutes. We just have to cut down on our mistakes. Taylen and Cam both had very good nights on offense, but we have to find a way to get more stops."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
- Taylen Ashley – 36 points (14-for-26 FG, 7-for-15 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists
- Camden Davis – 21 points (6-for-10 FG, 5-for-7 3PT, 4-for-4 FT), 12 rebounds, 2 assists
- Brandon Hrncir – 16 points (6-for-14 FG, 1-for-4 3PT, 3-for-3 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 steal
- Brogan Madson – 15 points (5-for-12 FG, 1-for-6 3PT, 4-for-6 FT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds
Key Team Stats
- Shooting Battle: Augustana shot 36-for-63 from the field and 29-for-38 at the line, while USF finished 39-for-87 overall, 14-for-41 from three, and 14-for-23 at the stripe.
- Glass Work: USF owned a 49–36 rebounding advantage, including 20 offensive boards that turned into 20 second-chance points.
- Paint and Transition: Augustana held a 52–40 edge in points in the paint and an 18–7 advantage in fast-break points.
- Extra Possessions: The Cougars forced 14 turnovers and turned them into 11 points, while committing 12 turnovers of their own.
- Bench Impact: USF's reserves outscored Augustana's bench 29–5, giving the Cougars a significant boost in extended minutes.
Up Next
The Cougars head on the road next weekend, with matchups against Winona State on Saturday, December 13th before heading to Concordia-St. Paul on the 14th.
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