SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team fought until the final buzzer on Friday night but came up just short in a fiercely contested NSIC battle, falling 83–79 in overtime to the University of Mary inside the Stewart Center. After four quarters of back-and-forth basketball that featured 24 lead changes and 12 ties, the Marauders pulled away at the free-throw line in the extra period to secure the victory.
USF showed plenty of heart throughout the night, erasing multiple deficits and forcing overtime with a clutch late surge. But turnovers at critical moments and Mary's ability to capitalize at the charity stripe ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Game Summary
The Cougars matched Mary's physicality and defensive intensity for much of the night, holding the Marauders to just 37.7 percent shooting from the field and a meager 21.4 percent from three-point range. USF was efficient offensively, shooting 43.8 percent overall and 35.3 percent from beyond the arc, while posting an impressive 17-for-19 performance at the free-throw line in regulation.
But turnovers told a painful story. USF committed 21 giveaways that Mary converted into 20 points, while the Marauders also grabbed 10 offensive rebounds to extend possessions and keep pressure on the Cougars. Anna Vaaler and Alexis Rose led the offensive charge with 20 and 14 points respectively, while Landree Wilson delivered a crucial spark late to help force overtime and give USF a fighting chance.
How It Happened
First Quarter
The opening period was a preview of the competitive slugfest to come, ending deadlocked at 16–16. Four Cougars—Brown, Rose, Vaaler, and Harpe—scored four points apiece, spreading the offense evenly. Mary made one more field goal than USF, but the Cougars countered by going a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Both teams traded 8–0 runs in the quarter, with USF responding well after Mary opened with an early burst.
Second Quarter
Another tightly contested quarter followed, with both teams scoring 14 points to send the game into halftime knotted at 30–30. USF shot the ball more efficiently than Mary, but the Marauders gained extra opportunities through four offensive rebounds and capitalized on five Cougar turnovers, converting those miscues into seven points. Wilson and Rose each scored five points in the quarter to keep USF level heading into the break.
Third Quarter
Mary edged the Cougars 19–18 in the third, continuing the back-and-forth nature of a game that refused to break open. USF defended well, holding the Marauders to 38.9 percent shooting, but struggled to find their own rhythm at 35.7 percent from the field. The Cougars remained aggressive, getting to the free-throw line eight times and converting six attempts, while winning the rebounding battle 12–9 in the period. Rose and Vaaler led USF with five points each in a quarter that alone featured 12 lead changes—a testament to how evenly matched these teams were.
Fourth Quarter
USF won the fourth quarter 17–16 to force overtime, battling through adversity as Mary capitalized on six Cougar turnovers for six points. Bergan Kinnebrew found her rhythm for the Marauders, pouring in 12 points in the quarter, but USF refused to fold. Vaaler and Wilson answered with clutch play down the stretch. Wilson knocked down a massive three-pointer late, then stepped to the line and tied the game with six seconds remaining. A gutsy defensive stand on Mary's final possession sent the game to overtime, giving the Cougars new life.
Overtime
The overtime period came down to free throws, and Mary made them count—going 12-for-14 from the stripe. USF shot efficiently from the floor and knocked down both of its three-point attempts, but couldn't keep pace with the steady stream of made free throws. Vaaler added five more points in a valiant effort, while Rease Murtaugh provided an offensive spark with five of her own. But Mary closed the door, escaping the Stewart Center with an 83–79 victory.
Key Team Stats
- Free Throws: Mary's 12 made free throws in overtime proved decisive, despite USF shooting a higher percentage for the game.
- Turnovers: 21 USF turnovers led to 20 Mary points, giving the Marauders extra scoring chances.
- Defense: USF held Mary to 37.7 percent shooting and 6-for-28 from three, keeping the game within reach throughout.
- Balance: The game featured 24 lead changes and 12 ties, highlighting the competitiveness from start to finish.
Key Cougars
Coach's Corner
"Tough way to lose a game tonight. A lot of credit goes to Mary. I thought we showed good fight, but we need to learn how to make the small plays when it counts. I'm proud of the effort, but we have to find ways to win these close games. We found ways to do that before Christmas, but since Christmas we've struggled to do so."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Up Next
The Cougars remain at home, welcoming Minot State to the Stewart Center on Saturday, January 17, with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
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