By: Clint Neumann
Weekend Matchup Preview
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team (13-10, 9-7 NSIC) faces one of its toughest weekends of the season, traveling to battle #14 Concordia-St. Paul (20-2, 14-2 NSIC) on Thursday at 7:30 PM before coming home to challenge #21 Minnesota State (18-4, 14-2 NSIC) on Saturday at 5:30 PM.
USF has won seven of its last nine games, positioning themselves in the top half of the NSIC standings with a strong chance to secure favorable seeding for the conference tournament.
USF will be tested in every aspect of the game this weekend, as CSP boasts the best defense in the NSIC, allowing just 59.0 PPG, while Minnesota State plays a high-pressure style, forcing more turnovers than any team in the league. If the Cougars can control the tempo, take care of the ball, and execute efficiently on offense, they will have an opportunity to make a statement against two of the nation's top teams.
Scouting the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears
Concordia-St. Paul has been dominant all season, ranking among the nation's top teams with a 20-2 overall record and a 14-2 mark in NSIC play. The Golden Bears have built their success on elite defense, rebounding, and balanced scoring. They allow just 59.0 points per game (1st NSIC) while holding opponents to 35.3% shooting from the field (1st NSIC) and 28.7% from three-point range (3rdNSIC).
On offense, CSP is efficient, averaging 75.3 points per game (3rd NSIC) while shooting 43.1% from the field (4th NSIC). They lead the NSIC in assists per game (16.9), showing their ability to share the ball and create high-percentage looks. The Golden Bears also dominate the paint, ranking 1st in the NSIC in blocks (5.6 per game) and 3rd in rebounding (41.8 per game).
Key Players to Watch
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Lydia Haack: The leader of CSP's offense, Haack averages 15.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 4.7 APG. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and control the tempo makes her a major threat.
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Lindsey Becher: A dominant interior presence, Becher contributes 12.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 2.6 BPG. She is second in the NSIC in shot-blocking and is a force in the paint.
Historical Matchup vs. Concordia-St. Paul
USF has struggled against Concordia-St. Paul, trailing the all-time series 8-18. The Golden Bears won the previous meeting this season 79-63 and have won the last eight matchups. The Cougars' last victory in the series came in January 2021.
Scouting the Minnesota State Mavericks
Minnesota State is arguably the most aggressive team in the NSIC, playing a relentless, high-pressure defensive style that wears opponents down. The Mavericks own a 14-2 record in NSIC play (18-4 overall) and lead the conference in multiple statistical categories, including scoring offense (88.3 PPG), steals per game (16.2), and turnover margin (+9.1).
MSU's full-court pressure forces 25.9 turnovers per game, creating easy transition baskets and making them a nightmare for teams that struggle with ball security. On the offensive end, they are efficient and explosive, shooting 46.3% from the field (2nd NSIC). Their deep rotation allows them to play at a fast pace while keeping fresh legs on the floor.
Key Players to Watch
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Natalie Bremer: The NSIC's second leading scorer at 19.8 points per game, Bremer is a dynamic guard who thrives in transition and attacks the basket relentlessly. She is also one of the top defenders in the league, averaging 2.8 steals per game, making her a major disruptor in MSU's press defense.
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Destinee Bursch: A versatile playmaker, Bursch is the engine of MSU's high-tempo offense scoring 17.1 per game. She is efficient from the field, shooting 52.7%, and is one of the best at creating shots for herself and teammates.
Historical Matchup vs. Minnesota State
USF and Minnesota State have held many close matchups, with the Mavericks holding a 13-11 all-time series lead. However, in recent years, MSU has had the upper hand, winning eight straight games against the Cougars. Their meeting earlier this year was a high-scoring battle where the Cougars nearly pulled off an upset but ultimately fell 91-88 in Mankato.
Cougars at a Glance
The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team enters the weekend with a 13-10 overall record and a 9-7 mark in NSIC play, positioning them in the middle of the conference standings. USF has won seven of its last nine games. Facing two nationally ranked opponents this week presents a tough challenge, but the Cougars have shown they can compete with anyone when they execute on both ends of the floor.
The Cougars rank 5th in the NSIC in scoring at 72.6 PPG and are among the most efficient three-point shooting teams in the conference. USF leads the NSIC in three-point percentage (36.8%) and averages 7.9 made threes per game (3rd NSIC).
USF's defense has been solid but will be tested against two of the top offenses in the NSIC. The Cougars allow 66.1 PPG (6th NSIC), but their ability to limit three-pointers (30.5% opponent 3P%) will be critical against CSP and MSU.
Key Cougars to Watch
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Kami Wadsworth: Wadsworth is the Cougars' go-to scorer (17.5 PPG) and one of the most efficient offensive players in the NSIC (46.5% FG%). She attacks the rim well, draws fouls, and converts at the free-throw line (86.4%).
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Ayla Brown: Brown is the primary playmaker for USF, leading the team in assists (3.4 APG). Her ability to handle defensive pressure, limit turnovers, and set up teammates will be a major factor in whether USF can keep pace with these two elite teams.
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Megan Fannin: Another deadly perimeter shooter (44.8%), Fannin provides floor spacing and secondary scoring. If CSP and MSU collapse on Wadsworth, Fannin will need to take advantage of open shots from deep.
Keys to Victory for the Cougars
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 at CSP 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 (@USFCougarsWBB) and Instagram (@USFCougarsWBB).
