SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team will face a major early-season test as the Cougars travel to Salt Lake City for an exhibition against the University of Utah on Monday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. inside the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

The matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the Cougars and the Utes, and the first time USF has squared off with a Division I opponent since the 2017-18 season when they traveled to take on Northern Iowa.

Utah enters 2025-26 coming off a 22-9 campaign that ended in the NCAA Tournament, where the Utes earned an 8 seed before falling to No. 9 Indiana. One of the nation's strongest programs in recent years, Utah has been a consistent Top 25 team, highlighted by a 2022-23 run where they earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Playing at the Jon M. Huntsman Center presents a unique challenge in itself. The Utes have compiled a dominant 575-136 record (.809) all-time in the venue, which has included 10 perfect home seasons and a program-best 16-0 mark in 2022-23. Utah also strung together a 28-game home winning streak from 1995–97, underscoring just how difficult it is to leave Salt Lake City with a win.

In addition, the game will serve as Utah's Elementary Kids Day, with local schools invited to attend the morning matchup, creating a unique atmosphere for both teams.

USF brings back a trio of proven standouts who will lead the Cougars into the 2025-26 season. Kami Wadsworth, a First Team All-NSIC selection, averaged 18.5 points per game last season and established herself as one of the league's premier scorers. Ayla Brown, named to the All-NSIC Second Team, provides stability as one of the top playmakers in the conference, having averaged 4.7 assists and 9.1 points per contest. Rising star Alexis Rose, the reigning NSIC Freshman of the Year, adds another scoring punch after averaging 10.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in her debut season.

For USF, the exhibition offers an early opportunity to measure themselves against one of the country's premier women's basketball programs before diving into NSIC play later in November.

Head Coach Travis Traphagen on the exhibition:

"This exhibition came together late. I have a great friend on staff at Utah, and that's how the opportunity developed. Looking from afar, what a great chance to be tested by a Big 12 school. We know this will be an amazing opponent, and I have tremendous respect for their program. I'm very thankful for the opportunity it gives our players to challenge themselves before our actual season gets rolling."

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