ST. PAUL, MINN. – The Sioux Falls Cougars (12-11, 8-9 NSIC) put together a thrilling second-half rally but fell just short in a heartbreaking 108-106 double-overtime loss to (RV) Concordia-St. Paul (17-6, 12-5 NSIC) at the Gangelhoff Center. Facing a 19-point halftime deficit, the Cougars stormed back with a dominant second half, forcing extra periods with clutch play. Despite key moments in both overtimes, Sioux Falls couldn't complete the comeback, dropping a hard-fought battle. 

1st Half:  

Concordia-St. Paul took control early, jumping out to a sizable lead with efficient inside scoring and a strong rebounding presence. Sioux Falls struggled to find its offensive rhythm, shooting just 29.4% (10-of-34) from the field and 27.3% (3-of-11) from beyond the arc in the first half. The Cougars also had trouble containing CSP's inside presence, getting outscored 30-10 in the paint during the opening 20 minutes. 

Despite the early struggles, Sioux Falls showed glimpses of life with strong rebounding efforts, pulling down nine offensive boards in the first half to generate second-chance opportunities. Brandon Hrncir provided a needed spark off the bench with a pair of three-pointers late in the half, but CSP maintained its momentum, heading into the break with a commanding 45-26 lead. 

2nd Half: 

Sioux Falls came out of halftime with renewed energy, putting together one of its best offensive halves of the season. The Cougars erupted for 62 second-half points, shooting an incredible 67.6% (23-of-34) from the field and 69.2% (9-of-13) from three-point range. The comeback was fueled by defensive intensity, as USF forced turnovers and controlled the boards to create transition opportunities. 

The Cougars steadily chipped away at the deficit, with Creighton Morisch and Taylen Ashley leading the charge. Morisch dominated the glass, finishing with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists—his first triple-double of the season. Ashley delivered clutch baskets throughout the half, and Noah Puetz attacked the rim to help close the gap. 

With under a minute remaining, Sioux Falls finally pulled even, completing the comeback and forcing overtime after a tense final possession. 

Overtimes: 

Both teams traded big shots in the first overtime, with Sioux Falls continuing to fight despite fatigue. The Cougars struggled from the field in the extra frames, shooting just 23.8% (5-of-21), but they made up for it with key free throws and rebounding. 

In the second overtime, Sioux Falls briefly took a lead but couldn't hold off CSP's inside attack. The Golden Bears capitalized on second-chance opportunities, and despite a final push from the Cougars, they secured the win with a clutch alley-oop on the final play of the game. 

Key Team Stats 

• Field Goal Percentage: USF shot 42.7% (38-of-89) overall and 46.7% (14-of-30) from three. 

• Rebounding Dominance: The Cougars won the rebounding battle 49-48, including 20 offensive boards. 

• Second-Half Surge: USF outscored CSP 62-43 after halftime to force overtime. 

• Points in the Paint: CSP held a 74-38 advantage inside, but USF made up for it with perimeter shooting. 

Key Coo 

• Creighton Morisch: Recorded an impressive triple-double with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. 

• Noah Puetz: Led all Cougars with 26 points, adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists. 

• Taylen Ashley: Scored 24 points, hitting 4-of-8 from three, while dishing out 6 assists. 

• Kyle Ingwerson: Knocked down five three-pointers, finishing with 17 points and 7 rebounds. 

• Brandon Hrncir: Provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, including four three-pointers. 

Up Next 

The Cougars will arrive back in Sioux Falls, where they'll take on the defending national champions, Minnesota State, in a battle at the Stewart Center, Saturday, Feb 8th at 3:30pm. 

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