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Cougars Face Pivotal Road Tests Against Northern State & UMary

2/18/2025 2:30:00 PM

By: Clint Neumann

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - With the NSIC Tournament looming, the Sioux Falls Cougars (16-11, 12-8 NSIC) enter their final regular-season road trip with significant postseason implications on the line. The Cougars first face Northern State (16-10, 13-7 NSIC) on Friday, followed by a Saturday showdown against University of Mary (14-10, 11-9 NSIC).

Currently holding 5th place in the NSIC standings—positioned directly between these two upcoming opponents—the Cougars have nearly secured a home game for the tournament's opening round. However, a weekend sweep could propel them into the coveted top four, earning a first-round bye. While neither road environment promises an easy path, the momentum-riding Cougars aim to finish strong and position themselves for a deep postseason run.

SCOUTING REPORT: NORTHERN STATE WOLVES

The Wolves have established themselves among the NSIC elite, currently occupying 4th place with their balanced approach. Northern State averages 73.2 PPG (5th NSIC) while limiting opponents to just 66.8 PPG (6th NSIC).

Northern State's success stems from their dominance on the glass, ranking 2nd in the NSIC in rebounding margin (+6.7) while securing 11.2 offensive rebounds per game. Despite ranking 3rd in field goal percentage (44.3%), the Wolves have struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 29.5% from three-point range (12th NSIC).

The Wolves excel in ball security, committing a conference-low 13.1 turnovers per game while ranking 2nd in the NSIC with 16.3 assists per contest. Graduate guard Rianna Fillipi orchestrates their efficient offense, leading the entire conference in assists (5.3 APG) while maintaining an impressive 2.3 assist-to-turnover ratio.

KEY WOLVES TO WATCH

  • Madelyn Bragg (F, Jr.) - One of the premier post players in the NSIC, Bragg averages 16.8 PPG (7th NSIC) and 6.9 RPG (9th NSIC) while shooting an efficient 47.2% from the field. Her ability to draw fouls has resulted in 104 made free throws at an 81.9% clip.
  • Rianna Fillipi (G, Gr.) - The Wolves' floor general averages 12.6 PPG while leading the NSIC in assists (5.3 per game). Her defensive instincts have generated a team-leading 41 steals this season.
  • Michaela Jewett (F, Gr.) - A versatile frontcourt presence, Jewett contributes 13.2 PPG and a team-best 9.0 RPG (2nd NSIC) while stretching defenses with a team-leading 37 made three-pointers.

PREVIOUS MEETING

When these teams met on January 18th in Sioux Falls, Northern State prevailed 81-70 despite the Cougars' spirited effort without starting point guard Ayla Brown. USF received strong performances from Alexis Rose (17 points, 6 rebounds), Kami Wadsworth (15 points, 6 rebounds), and Aby Phipps (13 points, 11 rebounds). However, NSU's Madelyn Bragg and Alayna Benike each posted 24-point, 10-rebound double-doubles that proved too much to overcome.

SCOUTING REPORT: U-MARY MARAUDERS

The Marauders have built their identity on defensive excellence, allowing just 64.2 PPG (4th NSIC). U-Mary excels at perimeter defense, holding opponents to a 30.6% three-point conversion rate (5th NSIC), while protecting the rim with 4.08 blocks per game (3rd NSIC).

While offensive efficiency has been a challenge—they rank 13th in field goal percentage (38.6%)—the Marauders compensate by connecting on 7.7 three-pointers per game (5th NSIC). Their relentless effort on the offensive glass generates 12.1 offensive rebounds per contest (4th NSIC).

KEY MARAUDERS TO WATCH

  • Bergan Kinnebrew (G, So.) - U-Mary's offensive catalyst averages 14.7 PPG (10th NSIC) along with 3.7 RPG while shooting 38.0% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. Her 94 made free throws (82.5% accuracy) lead the team.
  • Ryleigh Wacha (G, Sr.) - The veteran guard provides steady all-around contributions with 8.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 2.2 APG, while connecting on 44.9% of her field goal attempts and 36.4% from deep.
  • Emily Jaenke (G, R-Fr.) - A specialized perimeter threat, Jaenke has launched 122 of her 150 shot attempts from beyond the arc, converting at a 36.1% clip. Earlier this season, she attempted an extraordinary 22 three-pointers in a single contest.

PREVIOUS MEETING

The Cougars claimed a 79-72 victory over U-Mary on January 17th in Sioux Falls. Ayla Brown delivered a career-best 26 points while adding 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Aby Phipps contributed an efficient 20 points on 10-of-14 shooting. As a team, USF shot an impressive 52.4% from the field and 45.0% from three-point range.

COUGAR SPOTLIGHT

The Cougars enter the weekend riding a three-game winning streak and have won 10 of their last 13 contests since the calendar turned to 2025. Their only setbacks during this impressive run have come against two top-25 opponents and Northern State.

USF has established itself as the NSIC's premier perimeter shooting team, leading the conference in both three-point percentage (38.9%) and made threes per game (8.6). The Cougars' offensive efficiency ranks 4th in the NSIC in scoring (74.0 PPG) and scoring margin (+7.1).

RECENT MILESTONES

Head Coach Travis Traphagen secured his 300th career victory in last weekend's triumph over Minnesota Crookston, bolstered by Kami Wadsworth's career-high 30-point performance. Wadsworth also etched her name in program history by breaking the USF Division II-era single-season record for free throws made (113) with at least three games remaining.

COUGAR CORNERSTONES

  • Kami Wadsworth (F, So.) - Establishing herself among the NSIC's elite, Wadsworth averages 18.1 PPG (4th NSIC) while shooting 47.5% from the field (5th NSIC). Her conference-leading 87.6% free throw accuracy complements her 4.9 RPG contribution.
  • Ayla Brown (G, So.) - The Cougars' floor general ranks third on the team in scoring (9.1 PPG) while orchestrating the offense with 4.0 APG. Her remarkable efficiency—46.5% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range—makes her a dual threat.
  • Alexis Rose (G, Fr.) - The standout freshman has made an immediate impact, averaging 10.1 PPG and 3.9 RPG while connecting on an impressive 41.4% of her three-point attempts.
  • Megan Fannin (G, Gr.) - A sharpshooting specialist, Fannin converts 45.2% from beyond the arc and has already accumulated 47 three-pointers this season. Despite averaging just 13.3 minutes per game, she provides instant offense.

KEYS TO VICTORY

  1. Control the Glass: Northern State ranks 2nd in rebounding margin (+6.7), while U-Mary crashes the offensive boards at 12.1 per game (4th NSIC). The Cougars must secure rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities and ignite their transition offense.
  2. Fortify the Interior Against Northern State: The Wolves thrive in the paint behind Madelyn Bragg (16.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG) and Michaela Jewett (9.0 RPG). Strong post defense and coordinated help-side rotations will be essential to containing their frontcourt.
  3. Protect the Basketball Against U-Mary: The Marauders generate 7.4 steals per game (4th NSIC) with their disruptive length and active hands. The Cougars must value each possession to prevent easy transition scores.
  4. Leverage Perimeter Excellence: As the NSIC leader in both three-point percentage (38.9%) and makes per game (8.6), the Cougars must capitalize on their shooting advantage, even against the strong perimeter defense of both opponents.
  5. Dictate Tempo in Transition: USF's ability to push pace and generate easy baskets will be crucial, particularly against Northern State's preference for a more deliberate rhythm.

FAN INFORMATION

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