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Cougars Aim for Season Sweep in Rivalry Showdown with Augustana

2/10/2025 10:29:00 AM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team (12-12, 8-10 NSIC) looks to get back in the win column as they take on in-city rival Augustana (10-14, 7-11 NSIC) on Tuesday at 5:30 PM in Sioux Falls. The Cougars have lost three straight games but will look to complete the season sweep over the Vikings after a 65-52 win earlier this season at the Stewart Center. 

USF has had the upper hand in the rivalry recently, winning four straight games against Augustana. The Cougars will rely on their strong rebounding presence (39.7 RPG, 2nd NSIC) and balanced scoring attack to take control in a game that carries major NSIC Tournament implications. Meanwhile, Augustana will try to snap its own three-game losing streak and protect home court. 

Scouting the Augustana Vikings 

Augustana has endured an up-and-down season but remains a dangerous opponent. The Vikings rank 11th in the NSIC in scoring (71.3 PPG) while allowing 71.6 PPG (6th NSIC) on defense. They are a strong defensive unit that forces turnovers (+2.6 margin, 3rd NSIC), but they have struggled on the boards, ranking 12th in the conference in rebounding (33.0 RPG) and 12th in rebounding margin (-3.0). 

Despite their rebounding woes, Augustana has multiple scoring threats, led by Tanner Te Slaa, Akoi Akoi, and Sam Rensch. The Vikings also rely on efficient ball movement (12.9 APG, 7th NSIC) to generate offense, but they are one of the worst free-throw shooting teams in the conference (70.5%, 10th NSIC). 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Tanner Te Slaa (G, 6-5, Jr.) – The team's top scorer at 14.5 PPG, Te Slaa is also their best perimeter shooter, hitting 39.6% from three (59 makes). He leads Augustana in rebounding as well, pulling down 5.7 RPG. 

  • Akoi Akoi (G, 6-6, Sr.) – A key offensive threat, Akoi averages 13.3 PPG while shooting 44.5% from the field. He is also an effective defender, second on the team in blocks (16). 

  • Sam Rensch (G, 6-5, Jr.) – A do-it-all player, Rensch contributes 11.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.1 APG. His ability to space the floor (39 made threes) makes him a dangerous scoring option. 

Historical Matchup vs. Augustana 

USF and Augustana have had a tightly contested series, with the Vikings leading 42-41 all-time. However, the Cougars have won four straight games in the rivalry, including a 65-52 victory on Nov. 26, 2024. 

In their Nov. 26 matchup, USF's defense held Augustana to just 52 points, their second lowest scoring output of the season. The Cougars dominated the glass (41-22 rebounding edge) and forced 14 Augustana turnovers. Five Cougars finished in double figures and Creighton Morisch added 14 rebounds. 

Cougars at a Glance 

The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team enters the weekend with a 12-10 overall record and an 8-10 mark in NSIC play, sitting in the middle of the conference standings. USF is one of the most unselfish teams in the conference, leading the NSIC in assists per game (16.8). Their ability to move the ball and find open shooters has made them an efficient offensive team, as they shoot 44.9% from the field and 37.8% from three (3rd NSIC). The Cougars thrive when their offense is balanced, with multiple scoring threats contributing each night. 

A major strength of this USF squad is their dominance on the boards. The Cougars rank second in the NSIC in total rebounds (39.1 RPG) and first offensive rebounds (12.3 O/RPG), often giving themselves second-chance opportunities while limiting opponents' production inside. Their biggest challenge this season has been turnovers (13.6 per game, 15th NSIC). If the Cougars can limit mistakes and tighten up their perimeter defense, they will put themselves in a strong position for success this weekend. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Noah Puetz (G/F, Sr.) – USF's leading scorer (13.8 PPG), Puetz is a strong all-around player who also grabs 4.4 RPG and shoots 45.9% from the field. He led USF with 21 points against Minnesota State last game. 

  • Creighton Morisch (C, Sr.) – The Cougars' top rebounder, averaging a double-double (13.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG). Morisch had a 20-point, 20-rebound triple-double against CSP last week. 

  • Taylen Ashley (G, R-Fr.) – The Cougars' floor general, Ashley averages 13.2 PPG and 3.0 APG while shooting 38.8% from three. His ability to control the tempo will be crucial against Augustana's defense. 

  • Shawn Warrior (G, Sr.) – A key defensive presence, Warrior adds 10.1 PPG and 6.3 RPG. He leads the team in steals and ranks second in blocked shots. 

  • Kyle Ingwerson (G/F, R-So.) – USF's top three-point shooter, hitting 37.9% from deep. If he gets hot, he can stretch Augustana's defense. 

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  1. Crash the Glass: USF ranks 2nd in the NSIC in rebounding (39.7 RPG), while Augustana is low in rebounding margin (-3.0). Morisch and Warrior must dominate the boards. 

  1. Take Care of the Ball: Augustana ranks 3rd in the NSIC in turnover margin (+2.6). USF, which ranks 15th in turnovers (13.7 per game), must avoid costly giveaways. 

  1. Win the Three-Point Battle: USF ranks 3rd in three-point percentage (37.8%), while Augustana ranks 8th (35.3%). If USF's shooters are on, they will have the advantage. 

  1. Limit Second-Chance Points: Augustana struggles in rebounding, but USF must still convert on offensive boards (12.3 ORPG, 1st NSIC) and prevent easy put-backs. 

Fan Information 

  • Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network. 
  • Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here. 
  • Radio: Tune in to KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM with Tom Frederick on the call. 
  • Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsMBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsMBB). 
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