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Back for More: USF Aims to Repeat January’s Dominance in Playoff Showdown at Minot

2/24/2025 2:03:00 PM

By: Clint Neumann

Playoff Matchup Preview 

The Sioux Falls Cougars (16-12, 12-10 NSIC) head to North Dakota for the first round of the NSIC Tournament as the No. 9 seed, set to take on No. 8 Minot State (23-8, 14-8 NSIC) on Wednesday, February 26th at 6:00pm. The Cougars enter the postseason riding a four-game winning streak, while the Beavers regained their footing last weekend with wins over Augustana and Wayne State after dropping four straight games. 

These two teams met once this season, with USF delivering a statement 85-61 victory over Minot State on Jan. 10 in Sioux Falls. At the time, the Beavers were ranked #4 in the country, but the Cougars controlled the game from start to finish. Noah Puetz (24 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists), Taylen Ashley (23 points, 5 rebounds), and Shawn Warrior (19 points, 10 rebounds) led the charge in the upset win. However, playing in the Minot State Dome presents a different challenge, as the Cougars are just 5-4 all-time on the road against the Beavers. 

Head coach Chris Johnson is on the verge of a career milestone, sitting at 299 career wins. A victory Wednesday would mark his 300th career win and 284th at USF. 

Scouting Minot State 

Minot State boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the NSIC, ranking 2nd in scoring (81.0 PPG) while holding a +8.3 scoring margin. They shoot 48.2% from the field (3rd NSIC) and 37.4% from three (4th NSIC), making them a dangerous, efficient offensive team that can score from anywhere on the court. 

Their rebounding dominance is a key part of their success, as they lead the NSIC in rebounding margin (+6.7), averaging 36.6 boards per game. This includes 10.6 offensive rebounds per game (3rd NSIC), giving them extra possessions to capitalize on and put pressure on opposing defenses. 

While their offense is elite, Minot has vulnerabilities defensively. They rank just 10th in opponent field goal percentage (45.0%) and 10th in opponent three-point percentage (35.9%). The Cougars' balanced attack will look to exploit those openings, particularly from beyond the arc where they've found success all season. 

Key Minot State Players 

  • Caleb Van De Griend (F, Jr.): One of the premier players in the NSIC, Van De Griend ranks 2nd in the league in scoring (20.5 PPG) and 1st in rebounding (13.0 RPG). He is an incredibly efficient scorer, shooting 71.6% from the field. If he gets touches inside, he usually converts. Limiting his impact will be crucial for USF's defensive gameplan. 
  • Jaxon Gunville (G, Sr.): A lethal three-point shooter, Gunville leads the NSIC with 3.3 made threes per game at 39.5%. He's coming off a game where he hit 10 three-pointers against Wayne State. If he gets hot, he can be a game-changer that could single-handedly swing momentum. The Cougars must stay connected defensively when he's on the floor. 
  • Sam West (G, Jr.): A versatile all-around player, West averages 9.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 4.4 APG (4th NSIC). He provides strong playmaking and rebounding from the guard position, making him a difficult matchup who impacts the game in multiple ways beyond scoring. 

Earlier This Season vs. Minot State 

USF stunned then-#4 Minot State with an 85-61 rout on Jan. 10 in Sioux Falls. The Cougars shot 55.4% from the field and 42.1% from three while dominating defensively, holding the Beavers well below their season scoring average. Noah Puetz (24 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists), Taylen Ashley (23 points, 5 rebounds), and Shawn Warrior (19 points, 10 rebounds) powered USF to victory in what remains one of their signature wins of the season. 

USF leads the all-time series 13-6, but success in Minot has been more difficult, with a 5-4 record in the Minot State Dome, where crowd energy and the long road trip can be factors. 

Cougars at a Glance 

The Cougars enter the NSIC Tournament as one of the hottest teams in the league, riding a four-game winning streak. They finished the regular season 4th in scoring (77.6 PPG), fueled by elite ball movement (17.1 APG, 1st NSIC, 20th in NCAA DII) that creates high-percentage scoring opportunities. 

USF thrives on rebounding (39.7 RPG, 2nd NSIC) and second-chance points (12.0 offensive RPG, 1st NSIC), making this matchup a battle of the league's top two rebounding teams. The Cougars are also a strong defensive squad, ranking 4th in opponent FG% (43.4%) and 2nd in blocked shots (3.6 per game), often turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. 

Balance is USF's biggest strength, with all five starters averaging double figures, making it difficult for opponents to key in on just one or two players. This offensive diversity has been crucial during their late-season surge. 

Key USF Players to Watch 

  • Creighton Morisch (Sr./C): The anchor of the Cougars on both ends of the floor, Morisch does it all. He leads USF in scoring (14.3 PPG), rebounding (10.9 RPG – 2nd NSIC), assists (3.7 APG), and blocks (1.7 BPG – 1st NSIC), making him one of the most well-rounded players in the conference. His presence in the paint is crucial to USF's league-best offensive rebounding (12.0 ORPG), and he's capable of stretching the floor. Morisch is coming off another NSIC Shining 5 recognition—his sixth this season—and has been named NSIC Player of the Week twice. As a senior leader, his impact on both ends will be key to slowing down Minot's interior attack.

  • Shawn Warrior (Sr./G): A versatile two-way threat, Warrior brings toughness and efficiency to the Cougars' lineup. He averages 10.4 PPG and 6.0 RPG while shooting an impressive 47.5% from the field. As USF's best perimeter defender (1.1 steals per game), he will be tasked with slowing down Minot's strong guard play. Warrior's ability to crash the boards and provide a defensive spark will be key in a physical postseason matchup. 

  • Kyle Ingwerson (R-So./G/F): The Cougars' top perimeter marksman, Ingwerson leads the team in three-pointers made (69) while shooting 38.8% from deep. When he finds his rhythm, he can change the momentum of a game, as seen in his 7 made threes against UMary last week. With Minot allowing opponents to shoot 35.9% from three (10th NSIC), Ingwerson could have a major impact if he gets hot from the perimeter. 

  • Taylen Ashley (R-Fr./G): Running the show at point guard, Ashley has been one of the most productive freshmen in the NSIC. He's averaging 12.9 PPG while shooting 41.3% from the field and 37.9% from three. Despite his youth, Ashley has proven to be poised under pressure, as seen in his 23-point performance against Minot in January. His ability to break down defenses off the dribble and find open teammates will be key in attacking Minot's 10th-ranked defense in opponent FG%. 

  • Noah Puetz (Sr./G): A true all-around guard, Puetz contributes in every facet of the game. He ranks second on the team in scoring (13.6 PPG) while also adding 4.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Puetz was instrumental in USF's dominant win over Minot earlier this season, exploding for 24 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. His ability to get into the lane, knock down open looks, and defend the perimeter will be a crucial factor in USF's game plan. 

Keys to Victory for USF 

  1. Shoot the Ball Well: Both teams are strong from beyond the arc, with USF shooting 37.7% from deep (3rd NSIC) and Minot at 37.4% (4th NSIC). The Cougars need to stay hot from three, particularly in a road environment where timely shots can silence the crowd. 
  2. Win the Rebounding Battle: The top two rebounding teams in the NSIC go head-to-head. USF must crash the boards and limit Minot's second-chance points while creating their own extra possessions. 
  3. Contain Caleb Van De Griend: The NSIC's most dominant big man (20.5 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 71.6% FG) will get his touches. Making him work for his points and avoiding foul trouble defending him will be critical. 
  4. Limit Gunville's Three-Point Attempts: Gunville is the most dangerous three-point shooter in the league. USF must close out hard and prevent him from getting in rhythm, as he can change the game with quick scoring bursts. 
  5. Take Advantage of Minot's Defensive Weaknesses: The Beavers allow 45.0% shooting (10th NSIC) and 35.9% from three (10th NSIC). USF needs to capitalize on their defensive lapses with crisp ball movement and patient offense. 
  6. Play Through Morisch: The offense runs through Morisch, who is effective as both a scorer and facilitator. Getting him touches early will establish USF's inside presence and potentially draw early fouls on Minot's frontcourt. 

Fan Information 

  • Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network. 
  • Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here. 
  • Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsMBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsMBB). 
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