By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D - The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team returns to friendly confines this weekend, and they're bringing the conference's hottest streak with them. The Stewart Center will host back-to-back NSIC showdowns as the Cougars welcome the University of Mary on Friday, January 16 at 5:30 p.m., followed by Minot State on Saturday, January 17 at 3:00 p.m.
USF enters the weekend riding a six-game winning streak—the longest active run in the conference—and playing their most electrifying basketball of the season. But this weekend presents two dramatically different tests. Friday brings Mary's chaotic, pressure-heavy defensive attack designed to disrupt and frustrate. Saturday features Minot State's methodical, physical grind-it-out style that demands precision and toughness. With both games at home and the NSIC race compressing, the Cougars have a golden opportunity to separate themselves from the pack.
Scouting University of Mary Marauders (5–11, 3–7 NSIC)
The Marauders arrive in Sioux Falls desperate for a breakthrough. They're riding a three-game losing skid, still searching for their first road win of the season (0–6 away from home), and walking into a building where history isn't on their side. USF holds a commanding 13–3 all-time series advantage and has won the last four meetings. The Stewart Center has been a house of horrors for Mary—and the Marauders know it.
Offensively, Mary is a study in volume over efficiency. They average 77.4 points per game but shoot a paltry 41.5 percent from the field, ranking near the NSIC basement. So how do they score? Sheer volume. The Marauders rank third in the league in total field goal attempts and first in three-point attempts, launching bombs from deep on nearly half their possessions. They play fast, they play loose, and they stretch defenses even when shots clang off the rim. Free throws? A disaster—dead last in the league at 63 percent.
But here's where Mary becomes dangerous: defensively, they're a swarming, disruptive nightmare. The Marauders force 13.9 turnovers per game and rank second in the NSIC with 8.8 steals per contest, mixing in press schemes and matchup zones designed to create chaos. They thrive on disruption, turnover points, and transition buckets.
Kelton Coleman is the engine, leading the team at 13.5 ppg and owning the defensive end with 40 steals on the season (most in NSIC)—he's everywhere. Tshawn Bois adds 8.4 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds, while Cayden Redfield chips in 9.6 ppg on an efficient 48.7 percent shooting. Depth is Mary's strength—seven rotation players average at least six points, meaning fresh legs keep coming in waves.
Scouting Minot State Beavers (8–8, 5–5 NSIC)
Minot State rolls into town sitting at .500 overall and in conference play, mirroring USF's league record. The Beavers are coming off back-to-back losses to St. Cloud State and Minnesota State, but don't let the recent stumbles fool you—this is one of the NSIC's most balanced and disciplined outfits under first-year head coach Randall Herbst.
The Beavers average 77.7 points while allowing 77.1, playing a brand of basketball built on efficiency and execution. Minot State shoots 47.4 percent from the field while clamping opponents down to 41.9 percent—the third-best defensive mark in the NSIC. But here's the wrinkle: unlike most modern teams that live and die by the three, the Beavers attempt fewer three-pointers than any team in the conference. They pound the paint, generate high-percentage looks at the rim, and dare opponents to match their physicality.
Deuce Benjamin is the focal point of everything Minot does offensively, leading the Beavers at 19.5 ppg (third in the NSIC) while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three. He's second in the conference in field goal attempts and owns the third-most free throw attempts and makes—a high-usage player who demands constant attention. Darik Dissette provides efficient interior scoring at 14.2 ppg on a stellar 54.2 percent shooting while grabbing 5.8 rebounds per game. Isaiah Alexander rounds out the double-digit scorers at 11.6 ppg and leads the team on the glass with 6.1 rebounds per game (eighth in the NSIC).
Minot plays a more methodical style, averaging just 11.1 assists per game (second-fewest in the league) and leaning into one-on-one matchups and bruising interior play. Rebounding is fairly even at –0.9, and games with the Beavers tend to be decided by late-game execution rather than pace or fireworks. Saturday's matchup is a classic contrast: USF's tempo, offensive rebounding, and aggressive attack versus Minot's disciplined efficiency and defensive toughness.
Cougar Spotlight
The Cougars are rolling. Six straight wins. The longest active streak in the conference. Fresh off consecutive high-scoring victories over Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State, USF is playing with swagger, confidence, and an offensive rhythm that has opponents scrambling.
USF ranks second in the NSIC in scoring at 85.3 points per game and attacks defenses relentlessly. The Cougars shoot 44.7 percent from the field while attempting the second-most shots in the league, and they live at the free-throw line. Through 16 games, USF has attempted 430 free throws—nearly 27 per contest—punishing opponents for daring to challenge them. But the real story is on the glass. The Cougars lead the NSIC with 14.3 offensive rebounds per game, rank second in total rebounds at 40.1, and own a dominant +6.0 rebounding margin. Miss a shot? No problem—they'll grab it back and make you pay.
Four Cougars are scoring in double figures. Brogan Madson paces the attack at 17.5 ppg, shooting 47.1 percent from the field and getting to the line a team-high 116 times while also leading in assists and steals. Taylen Ashley has been a revelation since returning from injury, adding 16.9 ppg. Kyle Ingwerson stretches defenses from deep with 43 made threes at 37.4 percent while averaging 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds. Brandon Hrncir rounds out the quartet with 13.9 points and a team-high 5.4 rebounds on a scorching 53.2 percent shooting.
Numbers Game
- Scoring: USF averages 85.3 points per game, second-best in the NSIC, fueling the league's longest active winning streak.
- On the Glass: The Cougars lead the NSIC with 14.3 offensive rebounds per game and own a +6.0 rebounding margin.
- Pressure: Mary ranks second in the NSIC with 8.8 steals per game, often using press and zone to disrupt rhythm.
- Volume: The Marauders rank first in the NSIC in three-point attempts, stretching defenses despite shooting just 41.5 percent overall.
- Efficiency: Minot State shoots 47.4 percent from the field while holding opponents to 41.9 percent, third-best in the NSIC.
- Style Clash: The Beavers attempt the fewest threes in the conference, preferring physical, rim-focused offense.
Coach's Corner
"This will be a tough weekend coming up. Mary plays a style that's different than anyone else in the league with their press and matchup zone, and Minot is very talented and tough. We will need to continue getting better in practice in preparation for the weekend."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Friday, Jan. 16 vs University of Mary
Saturday, Jan. 17 vs Minot State
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