SAINT PAUL, MINN. – Despite a strong shooting performance, Sioux Falls (13-11, 9-8 NSIC) fell to No. 14 Concordia-St. Paul (21-2, 15-2 NSIC) in an 82-74 battle at the Gangelhoff Center on Tuesday night. The Cougars hit 10 three-pointers at a 55.6% clip and put up 46 second-half points, but Concordia-St. Paul capitalized on turnovers and points in the paint to hold off the late charge. 

1st Quarter:  

Concordia-St. Paul opened the game aggressively, using their size advantage in the paint while also finding success from beyond the arc. The Golden Bears knocked down four threes in the quarter and forced Sioux Falls into seven turnovers. 

Sioux Falls responded with steady offensive contributions from Kami Wadsworth, who knocked down two three-pointers and added a mid-range jumper. The Cougars also found some success on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds in the first 10 minutes. Despite their strong effort, the Golden Bears' perimeter shooting helped them take a 21-15 lead after one quarter. 

2nd Quarter: 

The Cougars locked in defensively in the second quarter, making it difficult for CSP to find clean looks. Sioux Falls held the Golden Bears to just 26.3% shooting in the period and forced several contested shots in the paint. 

Offensively, Anna Vaaler and Ayla Brown stepped up, each knocking down a three-pointer to keep USF within striking distance. Aby Phipps made her presence felt on the glass, pulling down key rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities for CSP. 

Despite their strong defensive effort, USF struggled to fully capitalize on the offensive end, committing four more turnovers that prevented them from taking the lead. A late bucket by the Golden Bears sent Sioux Falls into the locker room trailing 33-28 at halftime. 

3rd Quarter:  

Sioux Falls came out firing after the break. The Cougars shot 53.8% from the field and went a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc in the quarter. Brown was key this quarter, giving the Cougars 7 points along with 4 assists. 

CSP, however, responded with their own offensive push. The Golden Bears attacked the rim, scoring 12 points in the paint and getting to the free-throw line frequently. Despite the Cougars' efficient shooting, CSP outscored Sioux Falls 25-21 in the period, extending their lead to 58-49 heading into the final frame. 

4th Quarter:  

Sioux Falls refused to go down quietly, delivering their best offensive performance in the fourth quarter. The Cougars poured in 25 points on 64.3% shooting, with Wadsworth continuing her hot hand from deep. Alexis Rose added key baskets, and Brown facilitated well, finishing the night with 10 assists. 

USF cut the deficit to six points early in the quarter, but CSP maintained control by converting at the free-throw line. The Golden Bears capitalized on USF's 22 turnovers throughout the night, turning them into 31 points. Despite the Cougars' relentless fight, CSP held on to secure the 82-74 victory. 

Key Team Stats 

• Three-Point Shooting: The Cougars were lights out from beyond the arc, hitting 10-of-18 threes (55.6%). 

• Second-Half Scoring: USF found its rhythm after halftime, pouring in 46 points while shooting 54.2% from the field in the final two quarters to keep pace with CSP. 

• Rebounding Battle: Sioux Falls held a strong presence on the glass, out-rebounding the Golden Bears 41-30, including 11 offensive rebounds.. 

• Turnovers: The Cougars struggled with giveaways, committing 22 turnovers, which CSP turned into 31 points. 

• Points in the Paint: USF finished with 22 points inside but had trouble containing CSP's inside attack, as the Golden Bears tallied 34 points in the paint. 

Key Coo 

• Kami Wadsworth: Led USF with 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three. 

• Alexis Rose: Scored 16 points, adding five rebounds and two made threes. 

• Aby Phipps: Recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. 

• Anna Vaaler: Also put up a double-double, finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. 

• Ayla Brown: The third double-double for the Cougars, Brown tallied 10 points and a game-high 10 assists. 

Up Next 

The Cougars will arrive back in Sioux Falls, where they'll take on the #21 Minnesota State Mavericks in a battle at the Stewart Center, Saturday, Feb 8th at 5:30pm. 

For all things USF Women's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram and Twitter!