SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team fell 57–42 to Minnesota Duluth on Friday night in a defensive slugfest that remained tight through three quarters before a late Bulldogs surge decided the outcome. Neither offense found much rhythm for most of the night, but Duluth's fourth-quarter run proved to be the difference as the Cougars were unable to answer down the stretch.
USF matched Duluth's physicality and defensive intensity for much of the game, forcing turnovers and contesting shots, but offensive struggles and turnovers ultimately swung the momentum in the final 10 minutes.
Game Summary
The game was defined by defensive pressure and scoring droughts on both sides. USF struggled to generate consistent offense, finishing the night shooting 35 percent or lower from the field and going just 2-for-15 from three-point range, an uncharacteristic showing for one of the NSIC's stronger perimeter shooting teams. Despite the struggles, the Cougars remained within striking distance thanks to scrappy defensive effort and trips to the free-throw line, where they scored 10 points.
Minnesota Duluth gained a major advantage in shot volume, attempting 23 more field goals than USF by capitalizing on 20 Cougar turnovers and eight offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions paid off late, as the Bulldogs knocked down timely threes and forced miscues in the fourth quarter to pull away. Alexis Rose led USF with 13 points, while Anna Vaaler recorded a solid double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in a strong individual effort.
How It Happened
First Quarter
Both teams came out sharp to open the game. USF shot 6-for-13 from the field, with 10 of its 15 points coming in the paint, while Duluth answered with a 7-for-14 start and three made three-pointers. The Cougars forced four early turnovers to help stay close, but Duluth held a slight 17–15 lead after one. Rose paced USF with seven first-quarter points.
Second Quarter
Scoring slowed considerably in the second quarter, as both defenses locked in. Duluth was held to just 16.7 percent shooting in the period, and USF converted five points off three Bulldog turnovers. The Cougars were unable to build separation due in part to seven turnovers of their own, keeping the game deadlocked at 24–24 at halftime. Ayla Brown was active on the glass, pulling down six rebounds in the quarter.
Third Quarter
Offensive struggles persisted after the break. USF shot just 2-for-12 (16.7 percent) in the third quarter, while Duluth wasn't much better, going 5-for-20 and just 1-for-9 from three. With both teams grinding for every bucket, Duluth edged the Cougars 11–8 in the quarter to take a three-point lead into the final period.
Fourth Quarter
Minnesota Duluth took control in the fourth, outscoring USF 22–10 to break the game open. The Bulldogs shot 9-for-16 from the field and knocked down three of five attempts from beyond the arc. Duluth also capitalized on seven USF turnovers in the quarter, turning them into nine points and using a decisive 10–0 run to seize control and secure the 57–42 win.
Key Team Stats
- Turnovers: USF committed 20 turnovers, which led to extra possessions and scoring opportunities for Duluth.
- Shot Volume: Duluth attempted 23 more field goals than USF, aided by eight offensive rebounds.
- Perimeter Shooting: The Cougars were held to 2-for-15 from three-point range, limiting offensive spacing.
- Defense: USF allowed just one Duluth free-throw attempt, keeping the game close through three quarters.
Key Cougars
Coach's Corner
"Was proud of our defensive effort for three quarters. Fourth-quarter Duluth was definitely the better team. We gave up way too many threes when we shouldn't have, which ultimately cost us. This was kind of a grinder game on both sides defensively. Both teams did a great job of scouting each other and taking away each other's strengths. We've taken steps, but still have plenty of steps to go."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Up Next
The Cougars wrap up their road trip on Saturday, January 10, traveling to Bemidji State for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off inside BSU Gymnasium.
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