By: Clint Neumann
Game Overview
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Cougars (17-13, 12-10 NSIC) are set to continue their NSIC Tournament journey in a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup against Northern State (18-10, 15-7 NSIC) on Sunday, March 2, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tip-off is set for 11:00 AM, with live coverage available on Midco Sports Plus and KWSN Radio.
USF punched its ticket to the quarterfinals after a dominant 81-69 win over Minnesota Crookston in the first round. The Cougars displayed their signature three-point shooting ability, knocking down 10 triples while shooting an efficient 45.9% from the field. Their offensive firepower was on full display, setting them up with strong momentum heading into the quarterfinals.
Northern State, the No. 4 seed in the tournament, earned a first-round bye after finishing the regular season as one of the top teams in the NSIC.
This will be the third meeting between these teams this season, and Northern State won both prior matchups. With a spot in the NSIC semifinals on the line, the Cougars have a chance to avenge their earlier losses and keep their championship hopes alive. They have proven they can compete with Northern State, but now they must execute for a full 40 minutes to take down one of the conference's most well-rounded teams.
Scouting Northern State
Northern State has been one of the most complete teams in the NSIC this season, using a combination of efficient offense, disciplined ball control, and rebounding dominance to wear teams down. Their balanced attack and strong interior presence make them a difficult opponent, and their ability to play through the post and limit turnovers has allowed them to be one of the most consistent teams in the league.
Offensive Strengths:
- 5th in NSIC in scoring (73.5 PPG)
- 3rd in field goal percentage (44.7%)
- 2nd in assists per game (16.4 APG)
- Leads the NSIC in fewest turnovers per game (13.2)
Northern State's offense operates with high efficiency due to their patient shot selection and ball movement. They do not rush possessions and rarely beat themselves with turnovers, making them one of the most difficult teams to disrupt defensively.
One of their biggest strengths is their inside presence. They utilize high-percentage scoring opportunities in the post and rely on strong rebounding to generate second-chance points.
Defensive Strengths:
- 67.3 points per game allowed (8th NSIC)
- 4th in blocked shots per game (3.93)
- Effective interior defense but weak perimeter defense (13th in opponent three-point percentage, 33.8%)
Northern State protects the rim well and makes it difficult for teams to score inside, but they struggle to defend the three-point line. Opponents have been able to get open looks from deep, and USF—who leads the NSIC in three-point shooting (38.6%)—will look to capitalize on that weakness.
Rebounding Dominance:
- 2nd in rebounding margin (+6.1)
- 7th in offensive rebounds per game (10.8)
- 40.3 total rebounds per game (2nd NSIC)
Northern State's ability to control the glass is a major reason for their success. They consistently outrebound their opponents, create extra possessions, and limit second-chance opportunities for opposing teams. If USF wants to reverse its previous fortunes against NSU, rebounding will be a crucial battleground.
Key Wolves Players to Watch
Madelyn Bragg (C/F, Jr.)
Bragg is one of the premier post players in the NSIC, leading the Wolves in scoring (17.1 PPG) and blocks (1.3 BPG), while adding 6.9 RPG. She is a highly efficient scorer, shooting 47.6% from the field and 81.4% from the free-throw line. She has been a problem for USF in both matchups this season, and slowing her down will be essential for the Cougars' defensive game plan.
Rianna Fillipi (G, Gr.)
The floor general of the Wolves' offense, Fillipi leads the NSIC in assists per game (5.4) while also contributing 13.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest. She is also one of the top defensive guards in the league, averaging 1.6 steals per game. Fillipi has been a tough guard for the Cougars, averaging 21 points per game including her career-high 27 last time out.
Michaela Jewett (F, Gr.)
A versatile inside-out player, Jewett averages 13.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game (2nd NSIC). She stretches the floor as NSU's top three-point shooter, adding another dimension to their offense.
Series History & Previous Matchups
Northern State holds an 18-7 all-time lead over USF, including wins in the last four meetings.
Feb. 21, 2025 (@ NSU) – NSU 75, USF 72
Kami Wadsworth scored 24 points, while Alexis Rose had 22 points and six rebounds. Fillipi had a 27-point, 10 rebound double-double to go along with her 5 assists. Bragg dropped 25 points with 9 points coming from the free throw line.
Jan. 18, 2025 (@ USF) – NSU 81, USF 70
Rose and Wadsworth were the Cougars' leading scorers again (17 and 16 points), but couldn't overcome Northern State's Bragg and Alayna Benike, who both recorded 24 point, 10 rebound double-doubles.
Cougars at a Glance
Sioux Falls has established itself as one of the most dynamic offensive teams in the NSIC, built on elite three-point shooting, efficient scoring, and strong perimeter play. The Cougars' ability to spread the floor and get contributions from multiple scoring threats has made them a dangerous matchup for any opponent.
USF's offensive balance and versatility allow them to play at a fast pace while still maintaining strong shot selection and efficiency. Unlike teams that rely heavily on one or two players, USF has multiple scoring options capable of stepping up at any time.
Offensive Strengths:
- 4th in the NSIC in scoring (73.7 PPG)
- 1st in the NSIC in three-point percentage (38.6%)
- 4th in the NSIC in field goal percentage (43.4%)
- 5th in the NSIC in assists per game (14. APG)
The Cougars' offensive firepower starts from the perimeter, as they lead the NSIC in three-point shooting at 38.6%, an area they will look to exploit against a Northern State defense that ranks 13th in opponent three-point percentage.
While three-point shooting is a major strength, the Cougars are also efficient from inside the arc, shooting 43.4% overall and getting contributions from multiple players who can score off the dribble or in transition.
Another major reason for their offensive success is their ability to share the basketball, averaging 14.8 assists per game (5th NSIC). This team-first approach makes them harder to defend, as defenses can't key in on just one or two players.
Defensive Strengths:
- 67.2 points per game allowed (7th NSIC)
- 4th in opponent three-point percentage (30.5%)
- Disciplined perimeter defense that limits quality outside shots
Sioux Falls excels at limiting opponents from beyond the arc, ranking 4th in the NSIC in opponent three-point percentage (30.5%). This has been a key factor in forcing opponents to take tougher shots and disrupting rhythm offensively.
While not a dominant defensive team in terms of shot-blocking or steals, USF plays sound positional defense and limits open looks from deep. Against a Northern State team that relies on strong ball movement and inside scoring, USF's ability to close out shooters and contest shots will be crucial.
Rebounding & Hustle Play:
- 7th in rebounding margin (+2.7)
- 1st in opponent rebounds allowed per game (33.6 RPG)
- Rebounding by committee approach to compensate for injuries
Despite missing leading rebounder Aby Phipps, the Cougars have done a solid job holding their own on the boards. They have a +2.7 rebounding margin, ranking 7th in the NSIC, and they do a great job limiting their opponents' second-chance opportunities, leading the league in fewest opponent rebounds allowed per game (33.6).
This team-first mentality on the glass has helped USF neutralize bigger teams, and rebounding will once again be a key factor against a Northern State team that ranks 2nd in the NSIC in rebounding margin (+6.1).
Key Cougars Players to Watch
Wadsworth is the heart of the Cougars' offense, leading the team with 18.5 points per game (4th in the NSIC) on 48.2% shooting from the field and 44.1% from three.
She is a true three-level scorer who can finish strong inside, knock down mid-range jumpers, and stretch the floor with elite three-point shooting. Wadsworth's versatility forces defenses into difficult decisions—if teams focus on stopping her inside, she can step out and hit from deep.
One of her biggest strengths is drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. Wadsworth holds the USF DII-era single-season free-throw record with 122 makes while shooting an NSIC-best 86.5%.
In USF's most recent matchup against Northern State, Wadsworth had 24 points, proving she can produce against the Wolves' tough interior defense. If the Cougars want to advance, she will need to take over once again.
Rose has been a breakout freshman star and a consistent scoring option for the Cougars. She averages 10.4 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 41.2% from three.
She has stepped up in big moments this season, including a 22-point performance against Northern State in their last matchup. Her ability to knock down threes and attack closeouts gives USF another dynamic weapon on the perimeter.
Her scoring versatility is key in USF's offensive system, as she helps spread the floor and create space for teammates.
The floor general of the Cougars, Brown is responsible for orchestrating the offense and creating scoring opportunities. She ranks 4th in the NSIC in assists (4.2 per game), while also contributing 9.1 points per game on 44.3% shooting from three.
Brown's ability to control the pace, make smart decisions, and set up her teammates is crucial against Northern State, a team that commits the fewest turnovers in the NSIC.
She will also play a key role defensively, as she will likely be matched up against Rianna Fillipi, one of the best point guards in the conference.
Vaaler has stepped into a major role as a freshman, averaging 8.5 points per game while shooting 82.5% from the free-throw line. She has become a key secondary scorer and a reliable shooter from the perimeter.
What makes Vaaler so effective is her ability to play within the flow of the offense, taking high-quality shots and capitalizing on defensive mistakes. She has also stepped up in rebounding, helping USF compensate for the absence of Aby Phipps.
Fannin is one of the deadliest three-point shooters in the NSIC, knocking down 46.6% from beyond the arc. She is a pure shooter who can change the course of a game in an instant.
Earlier this season, she set a USF program record with nine three-pointers in a single game against Minot State, showcasing her game-changing ability.
If Fannin gets hot from deep, it opens up the entire USF offense, forcing defenses to extend out and giving Wadsworth and Rose more space to operate inside.
Keys to Victory for USF
1. Win the Three-Point Battle
The Cougars enter this matchup as the best three-point shooting team in the NSIC (38.6%), while Northern State ranks 13th in the conference in opponent three-point percentage (33.8%). This disparity presents a golden opportunity for USF to capitalize on Northern State's defensive weakness.
Sioux Falls has multiple elite outside shooters, including Megan Fannin (46.6%), Alexis Rose (41.2%), and Kami Wadsworth (44.1%), all of whom have proven their ability to knock down big shots. When the Cougars are hitting from deep, they become nearly impossible to guard, as defenses are forced to extend out, creating driving lanes for Ayla Brown and Wadsworth to attack inside.
Additionally, hitting outside shots will neutralize NSU's biggest strength—rebounding. If USF can force the Wolves into long defensive rotations and closeouts, they can create mismatches and open lanes for second-chance opportunities.
2. Limit Bragg's Inside Scoring
Northern State's Madelyn Bragg (17.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG) is one of the most dominant post players in the NSIC. She has been a major problem for USF in both matchups this season, using her size, strength, and touch around the rim to punish defenders in one-on-one situations.
For USF to contain Bragg's impact, they must:
- Deny easy entry passes into the post—Making her work harder to establish position will limit her effectiveness.
- Stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary fouls—Bragg is an excellent free-throw shooter (81.4%), so sending her to the line is not a viable defensive strategy.
USF has struggled at times defending strong post players, so team defense will be critical. Guards will need to dig down and provide help without giving up easy kick-out threes, and forwards must be physical without fouling.
3. Control the Boards
Rebounding is one of the biggest areas of concern for USF heading into this game. Northern State ranks 2nd in the NSIC in rebounding margin (+6.1), while USF sits at 7th (+2.7).
The Wolves dominate the glass by:
- Controlling the defensive boards, limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents.
- Generating extra possessions with offensive rebounding.
A strong team effort in boxing out and hustling for loose balls will be the difference between keeping the game close or allowing NSU to control the pace.
4. Protect the Basketball
Northern State plays smart, efficient basketball, committing the fewest turnovers in the NSIC (13.2 per game). USF has struggled at times with turnovers, averaging 15.0 per game, and those wasted possessions have been costly in close matchups. Against a disciplined team like Northern State, every turnover could lead to an easy transition bucket or a key momentum swing.
If USF wins the turnover battle, they can neutralize one of Northern State's biggest advantages and put themselves in position to control the flow of the game.
5. Dictate the Pace
This game will likely be a battle of contrasting styles, and the team that controls the tempo will have the upper hand.
Sioux Falls is at its best when playing fast, pushing the pace, and generating open looks in early in the possession. Their three-point shooting and ball movement thrive in an up-tempo system, allowing them to attack defenses before they can set up.
Northern State, on the other hand, prefers a half-court-oriented game. The Wolves rely on physical post play and a deliberate pace to control the game. More importantly, they lean heavily on just seven players in their rotation, meaning a fast-paced game could force them into fatigue-related mistakes as the game wears on.
For USF to take control of this matchup, they must push Northern State outside its comfort zone by dictating the tempo early.
That means:
- Pushing the ball in transition off of rebounds and turnovers to create fast-break opportunities before NSU can set up its defense.
- Forcing NSU into quick defensive rotations by spreading the floor and moving the ball to wear down their starters and create mismatches.
If the Cougars can speed the game up, stretch the floor with their three-point shooting, and keep fresh legs in the game, they have a major opportunity to wear down NSU and pull away late.
Fan Information
- Tickets: Get your tickets ahead of time here.
- Stream: Watch live on Midco Sports Plus.
- 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).
