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USF Aims to Ground the Golden Eagles in Final Regular Season Home Game

2/12/2025 3:56:00 PM

By: Clint Neumann

Weekend Matchup Preview 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team (15-11, 11-8 NSIC) is back on its home floor Friday night, hosting Minnesota Crookston (9-15, 7-11 NSIC) for a pivotal NSIC battle at the Stewart Center. The Cougars have won nine of the last ten matchups against the Golden Eagles, including a 75-65 road victory on Jan. 4, 2025. This game will serve as Senior Night for USF, providing extra motivation as they aim to finish strong heading into the final stretch of the regular season. 

USF enters the contest riding a two-game winning streak after an 83-65 victory over Augustana, in which they drained 16 three-pointers and shared the ball efficiently with 24 assists. Meanwhile, Minnesota Crookston is coming off a 79-74 win over Northern State, snapping a three-game losing streak. With NSIC Tournament positioning on the line, this game is crucial for both squads as they battle for seeding in the final stretch of the regular season. 

Scouting the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles 

The Golden Eagles have been led by one of the NSIC's premier scorers, Emma Miller, who ranks 1st in the conference in scoring at 21.9 points per game. As a team, Crookston ranks 9th in the NSIC in scoring (67.7 PPG) but struggles defensively, allowing 73.5 PPG (15th NSIC). 

Crookston relies on three-point shooting (8.0 made per game, 3rd NSIC) to generate offense but struggles on the boards, ranking 12th in rebounding margin (-5.0). Their ability to score in bunches makes them dangerous, but USF's strength on the glass and perimeter defense could be the deciding factor. 

Key Players to Watch 

  • Emma Miller (G, Jr.): The heart and soul of Crookston's offense, Miller leads the NSIC in scoring at 21.9 PPG while also contributing 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. She plays nearly every minute (37.9 MPG, 1st NSIC) and is a volume shooter, taking 201 shots this season (1st NSIC). 

  • Riley Jenkins (G, R-So.): A strong secondary scorer, Jenkins averages 11.8 PPG and 6.5 RPG while shooting 42.9% from the field. 

  • Nicole Hernandez (F, R-Sr.): The Golden Eagles' top post presence, Hernandez averages 7.3 PPG and 8.2 RPG while leading the team in blocks (2.8 per game, 2nd NSIC). 

Historical Matchup vs. Minnesota Crookston 

USF has historically dominated this matchup, holding an 11-3 all-time record against the Golden Eagles. 

  • Last Meeting (Jan. 4, 2025): USF 75, UMC 65 – The Cougars picked up a double-digit road win, led by Kami Wadsworth's 22 points. 
  • Last 10 Matchups: USF holds a 9-1 edge. 
  • Largest Margin of Victory: 80-47 (Feb. 2, 2019). 
  • Smallest Margin of Victory: 69-63 (Jan. 14, 2017). 

Cougars at a Glance 

USF enters the game 15-11 overall and 11-8 in NSIC play, currently sitting in fifth place in the conference standings. The Cougars thrive on three-point shooting (38.6%, 1st NSIC) and team rebounding (+3.9 margin, 6th NSIC). 

USF boasts one of the more balanced offenses in the NSIC, ranking fourth in scoring (73.7 PPG) while holding opponents to 67.0 PPG (6th NSIC). Their ability to limit second-chance points (33.2 opponent rebounds per game, 1st NSIC) will be crucial against a Crookston team that struggles on the glass. 

Key Cougars to Watch 

  • Kami Wadsworth (F, So.): The Cougars' leading scorer at 17.7 PPG, Wadsworth is an elite offensive threat, shooting 47.3% from the field and 87.5% from the free-throw line. Her ability to create her own shot and attack the rim will be critical against Crookston's struggling defense. 

  • Alexis Rose (G, Fr.): One of the top three-point shooters in the NSIC, Rose is hitting 41.9% from beyond the arc while averaging 10.2 points per game. Her shooting will help stretch Crookston's defense and create space for the offense. 

  • Ayla Brown (G, So.): The team's primary playmaker, Brown averages 8.9 PPG and 3.7 APG, leading the Cougars in assists. Her ability to handle pressure and facilitate the offense will be key against Crookston's defense. 

  • Anna Vaaler (G, Fr.): A reliable two-way player, Vaaler contributes 8.3 points and 4.6 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 makes her an impact player. 

Keys to Victory for the Cougars 

  • Contain Emma Miller: The Golden Eagles' offense runs through her, so keeping her below her 21.9 PPG average is crucial. 

  • Lock Down the Perimeter: The Golden Eagles fire up more three's than any other team in the conference, and make just over 8 of them per game. Holding them to below that number will help them control the game. 

  • Win the Rebounding Battle: USF has a +3.9 rebounding margin, while Crookston sits at -5.0. Controlling the boards will limit second-chance opportunities. 

  • Shoot Efficiently from Three: The Cougars lead the NSIC in three-point shooting (38.6%), while Crookston struggles to defend the perimeter (14th in opponent 3PT%, 34.5%). 

  • Wear Down Crookston's Starters: Miller and Jenkins play heavy minutes, so USF's deep rotation can take advantage late in the game. 

Fan Information 

  • Tickets: Get your tickets to the final regular season home game here. 
  • 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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