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University of Sioux Falls Athletics

Scoreboard

Scoreboard

Kenji Scales shoots a floater over the defender
Jurgens Photography
75
Winner Minnesota St. MSU 16-9,12-5 NSIC
73
Sioux Falls USF 12-12,8-10 NSIC
Winner
Minnesota St. MSU
16-9,12-5 NSIC
75
Final
73
Sioux Falls USF
12-12,8-10 NSIC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Minnesota St. MSU 30 45 75
Sioux Falls USF 33 40 73

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Clint Neumann

Sioux Falls Falls Just Short in Back-and-Forth Battle with Minnesota State

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sioux Falls Cougars (12-12, 8-10 NSIC) fought hard but came up just short in a 75-73 loss to Minnesota State (16-9, 12-5 NSIC) at the Stewart Center. The Cougars led for over 31 minutes and built a double-digit lead early in the second half, but Minnesota State's late push proved to be the difference in a game that featured six lead changes and five ties. 

1st Half:  

Sioux Falls got off to a strong start, setting the tone with early defensive intensity and efficient inside scoring. Noah Puetz gave the Cougars an early boost, knocking down two three-pointers in the opening minutes. USF controlled the paint, outscoring MSU 22-14 inside, while also capitalizing on fast-break opportunities to build momentum. 

Creighton Morisch was dominant on the glass, grabbing seven first-half rebounds, while Shawn Warrior provided a steady interior presence, adding six points and six rebounds in the half. The Cougars shot 39.4% from the field but held Minnesota State to just 31.4% shooting. By halftime, USF had built a 33-30 lead. 

2nd Half: 

Sioux Falls came out strong after the break, quickly pushing its lead to 10 points behind another three-pointer from Puetz and a lay-in from Morisch. The Cougars shot an impressive 56% in the second half and hit 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. 

However, Minnesota State slowly chipped away at the deficit, using a strong rebounding effort and second-chance points to stay in the game. The Mavericks turned up their defensive pressure, forcing key turnovers that led to transition baskets. With just over four minutes remaining, MSU took its first lead since early in the game. 

Sioux Falls had multiple chances to tie or retake the lead in the final minute, but shots didn't fall in crunch time. A Maverick jumper that left just 0.7 seconds left sealed the 75-73 loss. 

Key Team Stats 

  • Field Goal Percentage: USF shot 46.6% (27-of-58), while holding MSU to 38.9% (28-of-72). 

  • Three-Point Shooting: The Cougars shot 38.9% (7-of-18) from deep with 5 coming in the second half. 

  • Rebounding Battle: USF outrebounded MSU 44-34, including an 11-12 edge on the offensive glass. 

  • Turnovers: The Cougars had 16 turnovers, but limited their damage to six MSU points. 

Key Coo 

  • Noah Puetz: Led all scorers with 21 points, hitting 3-of-5 from deep while adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists. 

  • Creighton Morisch: Dominated the glass with 16 points, 17 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 assists. 

Up Next 

The Cougars will take on cross-town rival Augustana next week Tuesday, Feb 11th at 5:30pm in the Elmen Center before hosting their final home game of the season Friday, Feb 14th when they take on Minnesota-Crookston at 3:30pm in the Stewart Center. Come out and support our wonderful group of seniors! 

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

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