SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team continued its red-hot run on Saturday night, dismantling Minot State 95–73 inside the Stewart Center to secure its eighth consecutive victory. The Cougars set the tone from the opening tip with elite shooting, unselfish offense, and relentless energy—never trailing once and delivering one of their most dominant wire-to-wire performances of the season.
Game Summary
Sioux Falls controlled every facet of the game from start to finish. The Cougars shot a scorching 49.3 percent from the field and an absolutely blistering 54.2 percent from three-point range, connecting on 13 triples that repeatedly broke Minot's back. But the real beauty was in the ball movement—USF assisted on 24 of their 35 made baskets, a masterclass in unselfish basketball and crisp decision-making.
The Cougars dominated the glass 45–38, including 15 offensive rebounds that extended possessions and kept constant pressure on the Beavers. Four Cougars finished in double figures, led by Brogan Madson's 22 points and Brandon Hrncir's monster 20-point, nine-rebound performance. Kyle Ingwerson and Taylen Ashley added consistent scoring and playmaking, while USF's defensive effort clamped down on Minot State, holding them to just 40.9 percent shooting.
Sioux Falls led for 38:59 of the 40-minute game and pushed the advantage to as many as 26 points late in the second half. By the final buzzer, there was no doubt.
How It Happened
First Half
Sioux Falls wasted zero time establishing dominance, racing out to a commanding 52–36 halftime lead behind a shooting clinic. The Cougars went 18-of-34 from the field and knocked down nine of their 13 three-point attempts—a ridiculous 69.2 percent from deep. They also went 7-of-10 from the free-throw line, capitalizing on every opportunity.
Ball movement was the engine that made everything go. Thirteen of USF's 18 made shots were assisted—beautiful basketball that left Minot scrambling and chasing shadows. The Cougars dissected the Beavers' defense with precision passing and unselfish play.
Defensively, USF was just as sharp, holding Minot State to 40.6 percent shooting and just two made threes before the break. The Cougars dominated the glass 24–15 in the half and controlled the pace, leading for 18:59 of the first 20 minutes.
Brandon Hrncir was unstoppable, pouring in 13 points before halftime. Brogan Madson added 12, and Taylen Ashley chipped in 11—three Cougars already in double figures before the locker room.
Second Half
The Cougars didn't let up. After the break, USF maintained their efficiency, shooting 17-of-37 from the field and continuing to share the wealth with 11 assists on 17 made baskets. Ball security was pristine—just two turnovers in the entire half while forcing six from Minot State. That composure allowed the Cougars to steadily grow their lead rather than giving the Beavers any glimmer of hope.
USF outscored Minot State 43–37 in the second half, pushing the advantage to its largest margin of the night—a commanding 26 points with 4:43 remaining. Balanced scoring, dominant rebounding, and disciplined defense allowed Sioux Falls to close the game comfortably and cruise to the 95–73 victory, capping off a perfect home weekend.
Coach's Corner
"Thought we played one of our most complete games, having 24 assists and we really shot it well and played better on the defensive end. Everyone played well today. A great team win."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
- Brogan Madson – 22 points, 9-of-15 FG, 5 assists
- Brandon Hrncir – 20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
- Kyle Ingwerson – 16 points, 4-of-7 3PT, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
- Taylen Ashley – 15 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Key Team Stats
- Shooting: USF shot 49.3 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from three-point range.
- Ball Movement: The Cougars assisted on 24 of 35 made baskets.
- Rebounding: Sioux Falls won the rebounding battle 45–38, including 15 offensive boards.
- Control: USF led for 38:59 of the game and committed just two second-half turnovers.
- Defense: Minot State was held to 40.9 percent shooting and five made threes.
Up Next
Sioux Falls remains home next weekend, hosting Minnesota Crookston on Friday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m. (men's game will be the late contest of the doubleheader), followed by a matchup with MSU Moorhead on Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 p.m. Saturday's game is USF Alumni Day, welcoming all USF basketball alumni back with complimentary tickets, on-court recognition, and a postgame social at Gibs Sports Bar. Alumni can RSVP HERE.
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