SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sioux Falls Cougars (13-10, 9-7 NSIC) put up a strong fight against No. 22 Southwest Minnesota State (20-2, 14-2 NSIC) but ultimately fell 68-62 at the Stewart Center on Thursday night. The Cougars' defense was a major storyline, holding the Mustangs to a season-low 15.8% from three-point range. 

1st Quarter:  

Sioux Falls started the game with aggressive defense, forcing early misses from SMSU, including a blocked shot from Aby Phipps. The Cougars took a brief lead at 5-2 behind a Kami Wadsworth three-pointer and an Ayla Brown layup. However, SMSU responded with a 13-2 run to reclaim the lead. Anna Vaaler knocked down a late jumper to cut the deficit, but USF trailed 14-12 after the opening quarter. 

2nd Quarter: 

The Cougars kept pace with the Mustangs in the second quarter, led by Wadsworth, who found success attacking the rim. Megan Fannin and Gracie Traphagen provided sparks with their makes from long distance. The Cougars' defense continued to contest shots, limiting SMSU to just 3-of-14 from deep in the first half. At the break, Sioux Falls trailed 31-28. 

3rd Quarter:  

SMSU built a double-digit lead midway through the third quarter, but Sioux Falls answered with a late push to stay within reach. Wadsworth scored on back-to-back possessions, and Fannin added a three-pointer to cut the deficit. However, the Mustangs found success in the paint, scoring 46 total points inside. A strong finish to the quarter saw the Cougars down 53-45 heading into the final frame. 

4th Quarter:  

Sioux Falls battled back in the fourth quarter, outscoring SMSU 17-15 and closing the gap to one point with just over three minutes to play. Wadsworth continued her stellar night, finishing with a game-high 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting. The Cougars' defense remained locked in, holding SMSU scoreless from three-point range in the second half. However, the Mustangs converted at the free-throw line to close out the game. 

Key Team Stats 

• Lockdown Perimeter Defense: Held SMSU to just 15.8% (3-of-19) from three, their worst mark of the season. 

• Points in the Paint: Scored 38 points inside, keeping pressure on SMSU's defense. 

• Turnovers: Forced 13 turnovers while committing 11 of their own. 

• Shooting Efficiency: Finished at 39.4% from the field and 27.8% from three. 

• Rebounding Battle: Pulled down 36 total rebounds, including 9 on the offensive end. 

Key Coo 

• Kami Wadsworth: Led all scorers with 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting, adding five rebounds and two assists. 

• Megan Fannin: Scored 8 points, hitting two three-pointers in key moments. 

• Ayla Brown: Finished with 7 points and two assists. 

• Anna Vaaler: Recorded 6 points, six rebounds, and three assists. 

• Aby Phipps: Grabbed seven rebounds while contributing 4 points and a block. 

Up Next 

The Cougars again face a split weekend ahead, traveling to #19 Concordia-St. Paul for a Thursday game at 7:30 PM, followed by a home game against #14 Minnesota State on Saturday at 5:30 PM in the Stewart Center. 

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