BEMIDJI, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team extended its win streak to six games on Saturday evening with a thrilling 97-94 comeback victory over Bemidji State. Trailing by as many as 17 points in the second half, the Cougars showed relentless determination, chipping away at the deficit and ultimately seizing control in the game's final minutes to secure a hard-fought road win.
Game Summary
In a high-scoring affair that tested USF's resolve, the Cougars found themselves in an unfamiliar position for much of the night, playing from behind against a Bemidji State team that controlled the tempo early and built a commanding lead. The Beavers used their size advantage to dominate the paint, outscoring USF 48-28 in that area and shooting an efficient 59.5 percent from the field in the first half. But the Cougars refused to fold.
USF's response came in the form of sharpshooting and clutch free-throw execution. The Cougars knocked down 15 three-pointers for the game, including eight in a decisive second-half surge that flipped the momentum. They also capitalized at the charity stripe, going 22-of-27 from the free-throw line and earning 10 more attempts than Bemidji State. USF held a slight rebounding edge at 38-36 and maximized its opportunities on the offensive glass, converting second-chance looks into 19 points compared to the Beavers' 10.
Despite leading for just 1:32 of the entire game, all of which came in the closing moments, the Cougars made their final push count. Five players reached double figures, led by Brandon Hrncir and Brogan Madson, who each poured in 20 points. Taylen Ashley provided a crucial spark off the bench with 19 points, while Kyle Ingwerson delivered a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, including four second-half threes that fueled the comeback.
How It Happened
First Half
The opening 20 minutes belonged to Bemidji State, as the Beavers shot a scorching 59.5 percent from the field and used their size to control the interior. The Beavers outscored USF 32-8 in the paint during the half, establishing an imposing physical presence that the Cougars struggled to counter early.
Despite the defensive challenges, USF stayed within reach thanks to perimeter shooting. The Cougars connected on seven first-half three-pointers and knocked down 10 free throws to keep pace. Brogan Madson led the way with 10 points, including two made threes, while Jacoby Mehrman and Alex Mattes each chipped in eight points with two triples apiece.
Bemidji State forced six turnovers and recorded four steals and four blocks in the half, disrupting USF's offensive flow. Three Beavers reached double figures before the break, including Henry Shannon III and John Pcarich, who each dropped 16 points to help Bemidji carry momentum into halftime.
Second Half
The Cougars emerged from the locker room with renewed focus and began to chip away at the deficit. USF was much sharper offensively in the second half, connecting on 51.4 percent from the field and continuing to punish Bemidji from beyond the arc. The Cougars drained eight more three-pointers, shooting 50 percent from deep in the half, and were nearly automatic from the free-throw line at 12-of-13.
Bemidji State extended its lead to 17 points with 16:36 remaining, but the Cougars refused to quit. Kyle Ingwerson ignited the rally with four second-half threes, while Taylen Ashley added three more from downtown as USF methodically clawed back into the game. The Cougars capitalized on hustle plays, scoring eight points off turnovers and collecting 10 second-chance points, several of which came in crucial late-game possessions.
With the momentum fully shifted, USF seized its first lead of the game in the final minutes and held on down the stretch to complete the comeback and secure the 97-94 victory.
Key Team Stats
- Late Heroics: USF led for just 1:32 of the game, all of which came in the closing moments when it mattered most.
- Raining Threes: The Cougars hit 15 three-pointers in the contest, a critical difference-maker in this high-scoring affair and necessary against the more sizeable Beavers squad.
- Paint Problems: Bemidji State dominated the interior, outscoring USF 48-28 in the paint.
- Charity Stripe Advantage: The Cougars went to the free-throw line 10 more times than BSU and converted 11 more attempts, finishing 22-of-27.
- Second-Chance Success: USF held a slight rebounding edge at 38-36 and maximized its offensive boards, turning them into 19 second-chance points compared to BSU's 10.
Key Cougars
- Brandon Hrncir: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 10-10 from the free-throw line
- Brogan Madson: 20 points, 3 three-pointers, 5-5 from the free-throw line
- Taylen Ashley: 19 points, 4 rebounds off the bench
- Kyle Ingwerson: 14 points, 12 rebounds (6 offensive), 4 three-pointers (all in the second half)
- Jacoby Mehrman: 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
Coach's Corner
"Super proud of our fight, obviously didn't play great in stretches to get down by 17. But we stayed at it and several different guys made big shots down the stretch. Always good to get road wins in this league."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Up Next
The Cougars return home for a pair of NSIC north matchups in the Stewart Center, hosting the U-Mary Marauders on Friday, January 16th at 5:30 p.m. before welcoming the Minot State Beavers on Saturday, January 17th at 3:00 p.m.
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