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Cougars Hit the Road for Final Regular Season Showdowns With NSU and UMary

2/18/2025 12:46:00 PM

By: Clint Neumann

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - With postseason implications hanging in the balance, the University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team (14-12, 10-10 NSIC) embarks on their final regular-season road trip, facing Northern State (2-24, 1-19 NSIC) on Friday and UMary (5-24, 3-17 NSIC) on Saturday. Currently holding the 9th position in the NSIC standings, the Cougars have a critical opportunity to improve their seeding before the conference tournament, where the top four teams earn a first-round bye and seeds 5-8 secure home-court advantage.

Though both Northern State and UMary have struggled throughout the campaign, the Cougars understand that no road contest in the NSIC comes easily. With tournament positioning at stake, USF must maintain focus to build momentum heading into the postseason.

SCOUTING REPORT: NORTHERN STATE WOLVES

The Wolves have weathered a challenging season, managing just two victories overall with only one in conference play. Their offensive output ranks near the bottom of the NSIC at 65.2 PPG (15th), while their defense has surrendered 78.0 PPG (13th).

Despite their record, Northern State presents some challenges. The Wolves convert 8.2 three-pointers per game and distribute the ball effectively, ranking 8th in the conference with 12.9 assists per contest. Defensively, they've shown tenacity by averaging 6.7 steals per game (7th NSIC), which means the Cougars must prioritize ball security.

KEY WOLVES TO WATCH

  • James Glenn (G, Jr.) - Northern's offensive catalyst averages 12.5 PPG while connecting on 2.3 three-pointers per game (5th NSIC) at a 35.3% clip. The junior guard also contributes 3.5 RPG and 3.8 APG.
  • Marcus Burks (G, Fr.) - The freshman floor general ranks 5th in the NSIC in assists (4.0 APG) while adding 11.3 PPG and 5.1 RPG. Burks' endurance is notable as he logs 34.8 minutes per game (3rd NSIC).
  • Kaleb Mitchell (C/F, Jr.) - Anchoring the paint, Mitchell stands 4th in the NSIC in blocks (1.2 per game) while efficiently contributing 8.6 PPG and 5.5 RPG on 49.7% shooting.

PREVIOUS MEETING

When these teams met on January 18th in Sioux Falls, the Cougars secured an 81-71 victory behind Creighton Morisch's dominant 19-point, 18-rebound performance. Kyle Ingwerson added 17 points, while Taylen Ashley contributed 13 points and 7 boards. USF controlled the glass (47-39 rebounding advantage) and showcased their ball movement with 18 assists on 29 field goals.

SCOUTING REPORT: UMARY MARAUDERS

The Marauders have faced offensive challenges this season, ranking last in the NSIC in both scoring (65.1 PPG) and field goal percentage (40.0%). However, they excel on the offensive glass, ranking 5th in the conference with 10.2 offensive rebounds per game—a statistic that demands the Cougars' attention.

Defensively, UMary creates havoc, standing 4th in the NSIC with 7.4 steals per game and maintaining a positive turnover margin. With USF ranking last in turnover margin (-3.6), ball protection will be paramount to preventing easy transition opportunities for the Marauders.

KEY MARAUDERS TO WATCH

  • Jeremiah Jones (G, R-So.) - The defensive standout leads the entire NSIC in steals (2.8 per game) while filling the stat sheet with 11.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 2.6 APG.
  • Kevin McGaskey (G, Gr.) - UMary's versatile scoring threat averages 11.7 PPG and 3.0 APG while connecting on 36% of his three-point attempts.
  • Ty Rogers (F, Jr.) - The junior forward provides stability in the frontcourt, contributing 10.6 PPG and 3.9 RPG while shooting 41.9% from the field.

PREVIOUS MEETING

The Cougars claimed an 80-74 victory over UMary on January 17th in Sioux Falls. Morisch dominated with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. Five Cougars scored in double figures as USF controlled the boards (42-32) and distributed 19 assists.

COUGAR SPOTLIGHT

The Cougars enter the weekend at 14-12 overall and 10-10 in NSIC competition, currently sitting 9th in the standings. USF has established itself as an elite offensive rebounding team, leading the conference with 12.1 offensive RPG.

Offensively, the Cougars have been productive and efficient, ranking 5th in scoring (77.5 PPG) and 3rd in three-point percentage (37.6%). Their conference-leading 17.0 assists per game showcase their commitment to ball movement. Defensively, USF provides significant rim protection, ranking 2nd in the NSIC with 3.62 blocks per game.

RECENT MILESTONES

  • Shawn Warrior reached the prestigious 1,000 career points milestone in last weekend's victory over Crookston.
  • Creighton Morisch earned NSIC Player of the Week honors after averaging 20.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, and 2.5 BPG last week.
  • Morisch needs just 7 rebounds to tie the USF Division II era single-season rebounding record (279, Teathloch Pal).

COUGAR CORNERSTONES

  • Creighton Morisch (C, Sr.) - Fresh off his second NSIC Player of the Week recognition, Morisch continues to dominate the paint, averaging 14.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. His 12 double-doubles this season showcase his consistency, while his 52.5% shooting efficiency demonstrates his quality around the basket.
  • Noah Puetz (G/F, Sr.) - The versatile senior ranks second on the team in scoring at 13.7 PPG while contributing across multiple categories with 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. His ability to impact the game at all levels makes him a matchup challenge.
  • Taylen Ashley (G, R-Fr.) - The redshirt freshman floor general has provided stability at the point, averaging 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His poise in controlling tempo belies his youth.
  • Kyle Ingwerson (G/F, R-So.) - The sharpshooter leads USF with 58 made three-pointers at a 37.9% clip. When Ingwerson finds his rhythm, he can change the game's momentum with his perimeter marksmanship.
  • Shawn Warrior (G, Sr.) - Fresh off his 1,000-point career milestone, Warrior continues to impact both ends of the floor. He ranks second on the team in rebounding (6.2 RPG) while leading the defense with 29 steals, all while averaging 10.4 PPG.

KEYS TO VICTORY

  1. Dominate the Glass: As the NSIC leader in offensive rebounds (12.1 per game), USF must exploit both Northern State and UMary's rebounding vulnerabilities.
  2. Protect the Basketball: With UMary ranking 4th in steals and maintaining a positive turnover margin, the Cougars must minimize miscues.
  3. Contain James Glenn: Northern's primary scoring threat excels from beyond the arc. Limiting his three-point attempts will be critical.
  4. Win From Distance: USF's 37.6% success rate from three-point range (3rd NSIC) gives them an advantage against both opponents' struggling perimeter defense.
  5. Share the Basketball: The Cougars' conference-leading 17.0 assists per game demonstrate their offensive cohesion. Continued ball movement will create high-percentage opportunities.

FAN INFORMATION

  • Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network.
  • Live Stats: Follow real-time statistics here for Friday against the Wolves and here for Saturday against the Marauders.
  • Radio: Listen to Tom Frederick's call on KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM.
  • Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsMBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsMBB).
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