SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sioux Falls Cougars (14-12, 10-10 NSIC) locked in a key home victory on senior night, defeating Minnesota-Crookston (5-20, 4-15 NSIC) 71-64 at the Stewart Center. Creighton Morisch led the way with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Shawn Warrior made history, scoring his 1,000th career point on a tip-in that secured his 14th point of the night. 

1st Half:  

The game started with both teams struggling to find their rhythm offensively, as the Cougars shot just 30.6% from the field in the opening period. Despite early shooting woes, USF stayed competitive thanks to strong rebounding, pulling down 24 boards to keep second-chance opportunities alive. 

Morisch was a steady force inside, grabbing eight first-half rebounds while adding eight points. Noah Puetz knocked down an early three-pointer and facilitated the offense, dishing out four first-half assists. The Cougars leaned on their defensive energy, forcing six turnovers and limiting Minnesota-Crookston's perimeter game. 

A late scoring push gave USF a slight advantage heading into the break, leading 28-27. 

2nd Half: 

Sioux Falls came out with renewed energy, quickly establishing control with a dominant stretch in the paint. The Cougars shot 44.1% in the second half, knocking down five three-pointers to extend their lead. Kyle Ingwerson and Taylen Ashley hit key shots from deep, while Brandon Hrncir added valuable minutes off the bench. 

As USF built a double-digit lead, Warrior's milestone moment arrived in dramatic fashion. With just over five minutes remaining, he crashed the offensive glass and tipped in a missed shot, recording his 1,000th career point. 

Minnesota-Crookston made a late push, cutting the deficit to single digits, but clutch free throws from Morisch and Ashley sealed the win. USF's strong rebounding (46-41) and fast-break scoring (29 points) proved to be the difference. 

Key Team Stats 

• Three-Point Shooting: The Cougars hit 6-of-24 from deep (25%), improving in the second half. 

• Rebounding Battle: USF won the boards 46-41, including 13 offensive rebounds. 

• Fast-Break Points: The Cougars dominated in transition, outscoring UMC 29-5 on fast breaks. 

• Turnovers: USF kept mistakes minimal, committing just eight turnovers while forcing nine. 

Key Coo 

• Creighton Morisch: Led the team with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, also adding 4 blocks. 

• Shawn Warrior: Scored 14 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and recorded his 1,000th career point on a tip-in. 

• Noah Puetz: Contributed 9 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds while directing the offense. 

• Taylen Ashley: Finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, hitting two three-pointers. 

Up Next 

The Cougars will head on the road for the final weekend of NSIC play. On Friday, Feb 21st, Sioux Falls takes on Northern State at 5:30pm in Wachs Arena followed by Saturday's 3:30pm game against the U-Mary Marauders in McDowell Activity Center. 

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