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USF Women’s Basketball Set for Rivalry Rematch Against Augustana

2/10/2025 12:10:00 PM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team (14-11, 10-8 NSIC) is set to take on Augustana (6-18, 4-14 NSIC) in a key NSIC South Division matchup on Tuesday at 7:30 PM in the Elmen Center. The Cougars are coming off a statement 89-76 victory over #21 Minnesota State, while Augustana enters the contest on a two-game winning streak, most recently defeating Minnesota Duluth 58-53. 

USF has already defeated Augustana once this season, securing a 75-59 victory on Nov. 21 at the Stewart Center. In that game, the Cougars dominated the boards and held the Vikings to just 38.5% shooting. With the NSIC Tournament approaching, USF will look to solidify its postseason positioning, while Augustana hopes to play spoiler on its home floor. 

Scouting the Augustana Vikings 

It has been a tough season for Augustana, as the Vikings sit near the bottom of the NSIC standings with a 6-18 overall record and a 4-14 mark in conference play. Offensively, they rank 14th in the NSIC in scoring (61.0 PPG) and struggle with efficiency, shooting just 38.4% from the field (13th NSIC) and 29.3% from three (13th NSIC). 

Despite their offensive struggles, Augustana is an aggressive defensive team, averaging 9.9 steals per game (3rd NSIC). Their ability to create turnovers has kept them competitive in several close games this season. However, rebounding has been a major weakness, as the Vikings rank last in the NSIC in rebounding margin (-7.3). 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Hannah Burg (G, Sr.) – The team's top scorer, averaging 12.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 3.4 APG. She is also a strong defender, collecting 1.4 steals per game. 

  • Olivia Hayenga (G/F, Jr.) – A versatile scorer and rebounder, Hayenga contributes 11.7 PPG and 5.2 RPG while shooting 41.5% from the field. She also leads the team in steals with 1.8 SPG. 

  • Payton Hardy (G, So.) – Augustana's leading rebounder at 5.8 RPG, Hardy also chips in 7.6 PPG and provides physicality inside. 

Historical Matchup vs. Augustana 

Augustana leads the all-time series 37-15, but USF has been closing the gap under head coach Travis Traphagen, compiling a 13-16 record against the Vikings. In the matchup earlier this season, the Cougars dominated in a 75-59 victory. Four Cougars were in double-figures scoring, led by Kami Wadsworth who posted a 17 point, 10 rebound double-double. Last Season, Augustana won the lone meeting 73-56 at the Elmen Center. 

Cougars at a Glance 

USF enters the matchup 14-11 overall and 10-8 in NSIC play, currently tied for fifth in the conference standings. The Cougars have been one of the most efficient offensive teams in the NSIC, leading the league in three-point percentage (38.3%) and ranking fourth in scoring (73.3 PPG). 

While USF has been strong offensively, its ability to control the rebounding battle (37.0 RPG, 6th NSIC) and play solid defense (67.1 PPG allowed, 6th NSIC) has helped them stay competitive in conference play. 

Key Cougars to Watch 

  • Kami Wadsworth (F, So.): Wadsworth has been the Cougars' go-to scorer, averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting an efficient 47.0% from the field and 87.3% from the free-throw line. She had 17 points in USF's last win over Augustana and will be a major factor in attacking a Vikings defense that allows 72.6 points per game. 

  • Alexis Rose (G, Fr.): One of the top three-point shooters, Rose is hitting 40.2% from beyond the arc while averaging 10.2 points per game. Her ability to stretch the floor will be crucial against an Augustana team that ranks 8th in opponent three-point percentage (31.7%). 

  • Aby Phipps (F, Sr.): The Cougars' leading rebounder at 7.3 boards per game, Phipps also contributes 8.8 points per contest while shooting 43.1% from the field. She will be key in exploiting Augustana's last-ranked rebounding margin (-7.3), using her size and physicality in the paint. 

  • Ayla Brown (G, So.): Brown is a versatile playmaker, averaging 8.5 points and 3.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 42.9% from three. She will be instrumental in handling the Vikings' aggressive defense. 

  • Anna Vaaler (G, Fr.): A steady contributor on both ends, Vaaler adds 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 84.6% from the free-throw line. Her ability to rebound from the guard position and knock down clutch shots gives USF a reliable two-way presence. 

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  • Win the Rebounding Battle: USF averages +3.6 in rebounding margin, while Augustana is last in the NSIC (-7.3). Controlling the glass will be key. 

  • Take Care of the Ball: Augustana forces 9.9 steals per game (3rd NSIC). Limiting turnovers will prevent easy opportunities for the Vikings. 

  • Attack the Paint: The Vikings allow 72.6 PPG (13th NSIC) and struggle inside. Phipps and Wadsworth need to be aggressive. 

  • Knock Down Threes: USF leads the NSIC in three-point percentage (38.3%). Rose, Brown, and Vaaler must capitalize on open looks. 

  • Limit Second Chances: Augustana may not be a great rebounding team, but giving them extra possessions could keep them in the game. 

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 (@USFCougarsWBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsWBB). 
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