By: Clint Neumann
Weekend Matchup Preview
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team (12-10, 8-8 NSIC) faces a pivotal week in NSIC play as they travel to St. Paul to take on (RV) Concordia-St. Paul (16-6, 11-5 NSIC) on Thursday at 5:30 PM, followed by a home matchup against Minnesota State (14-9, 10-5 NSIC) on Saturday at 3:30 PM at the Stewart Center.
The Cougars have won five of their last eight games, but they enter the weekend following a tough 88-81 loss to #13 Southwest Minnesota State. USF will need to be at its best against two strong teams, including a CSP squad that ranks 1st in the NSIC in scoring (86.7 PPG) and a Minnesota State team that has been heating up. With the NSIC standings tightening, these matchups present a major opportunity for USF to solidify its positioning ahead of the postseason race.
Scouting the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears
Concordia-St. Paul has been one of the most potent offensive teams in the NSIC this season. The Golden Bears lead the conference in scoring (86.7 PPG) while shooting an impressive 49.5% from the field (1st NSIC) and 38.5% from three (2nd NSIC). Their up-tempo, high-scoring attack is fueled by standout guard Antwan Kimmons, who leads the NSIC in scoring at 24.9 points per game while also contributing 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists per contest.
Despite their offensive firepower, CSP has had defensive struggles, allowing 80.9 PPG (15th NSIC). Their ability to force turnovers (-2.1 turnover margin, 13th NSIC) has also been inconsistent, making them vulnerable against disciplined teams. However, they lead the NSIC in rebounding (39.9 RPG) and will look to control the glass against a strong USF rebounding team.
Key Players to Watch
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Marcus Skeete : A versatile wing, Skeete averages 14.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and shoots 44.3% from three, making him a dual inside-outside threat.
Historical Matchup vs. Concordia-St. Paul
USF holds a 22-6 all-time record against CSP, but the Golden Bears won the previous matchup this season, 97-69, behind Skeete's 27-point, 13-rebound night. Prior to that, the Cougars had won 13 of the last 15 matchups, including a season sweep last year.
Scouting the Minnesota State Mavericks
The Mavericks (14-9, 10-5 NSIC) are another offensive powerhouse, ranking 3rd in the NSIC in scoring (78.7 PPG) while maintaining a +5.9 scoring margin (5th NSIC). Minnesota State has multiple scoring threats and is dangerous from beyond the arc, averaging 9.3 made threes per game (T-1st NSIC).
Defensively, MSU allows 72.8 PPG (8th NSIC) and holds opponents to 43.1% shooting (5th NSIC). They are also one of the best teams in ball security, committing just 9.2 turnovers per game (1st NSIC) while boasting an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.61 (1st NSIC).
Key Players to Watch
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Kyreese Willingham: Leads the Mavericks with 17.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 1.7 SPG, providing scoring and perimeter defense.
Historical Matchup vs. Minnesota State
USF has struggled against Minnesota State, trailing the all-time series 9-26. The Mavericks edged the Cougars 82-79 in Mankato earlier this season and have won five straight meetings, including a three-game sweep last year.
Cougars at a Glance
The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team enters the weekend with a 12-10 overall record and an 8-8 mark in NSIC play, sitting in the middle of the conference standings. USF is one of the most unselfish teams in the conference, leading the NSIC in assists per game (16.5). Their ability to move the ball and find open shooters has made them an efficient offensive team, as they shoot 44.9% from the field and 37.3% from three (4th NSIC). The Cougars thrive when their offense is balanced, with multiple scoring threats contributing each night.
A major strength of this USF squad is their dominance on the boards. The Cougars rank second in the NSIC in total rebounds (39.1 RPG) and first offensive rebounds (12.0 RPG), often giving themselves second-chance opportunities while limiting opponents' production inside. Their biggest challenge this season has been turnovers (13.6 per game, 15th NSIC). If the Cougars can limit mistakes and tighten up their perimeter defense, they will put themselves in a strong position for success this weekend.
Key Players to Watch
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Noah Puetz: A well-rounded player, Puetz contributes 12.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 2.8 APG while shooting 46.2% from the field. His versatility allows him to impact the game as both a scorer and a playmaker.
Keys to Victory for the Cougars
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Take Care of the Ball: USF ranks 15th in the NSIC in turnovers per game (13.6), while MSU is 1st in the NSIC in turnover margin (+3.1). Limiting careless mistakes and making smart decisions under pressure will be key.
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Defend the Perimeter: Both CSP and MSU rank in the top five of the NSIC in three-pointers made per game. USF must close out aggressively on shooters and limit open looks from deep.
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Capitalize on Second-Chance Opportunities: USF averages 12.0 offensive rebounds per game (1st NSIC). If they can convert those into points, it will be a major advantage against both opponents.
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Balanced Scoring Attack: USF plays best when multiple players contribute offensively. Morisch, Ashley, Puetz, and Ingwerson all need to be involved to stretch defenses and create open looks.
Fan Information
- Tickets: Get your tickets for Saturday's game against Minnesota State here.
- Stream: Watch live on the NSIC Network.
- Live Stats: Follow along with live statistics here Friday and here Saturday.
- Radio: Tune in to KWSN 98.1 FM / 1230 AM with Tom Frederick on the call.
- Social Media: Get updates on Twitter (@USFCougarsMBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsMBB).
