SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team saw a 15-point halftime lead evaporate on Saturday evening inside the Stewart Center, falling 83–65 to Minot State after the Beavers caught absolute fire in the second half. USF controlled the game for the first 20 minutes with sharp execution on both ends, but Minot's explosive three-point shooting after the break proved insurmountable.
After holding the Beavers to just 23 first-half points and building a comfortable cushion, the Cougars couldn't slow the offensive onslaught that followed. Minot poured in 60 second-half points—including an astonishing 13-of-19 from beyond the arc—to erase the deficit and pull away for good.
Game Summary
USF came out sharp and focused, building a 15-point halftime lead behind efficient shooting and disciplined defense. The Cougars shot well early, controlled the paint, and forced Minot State into difficult looks, limiting the Beavers to an ice-cold 2-of-13 from three in the first half. The Cougars were in control.
Then the game flipped.
Minot State caught fire from deep in the second half, finishing an astounding 13-of-19 from three-point range over the final 20 minutes. The Beavers poured in 27 points in the third quarter, then followed with 33 more in the fourth, overwhelming the Cougars' defense and turning a tightly contested game into an 83–65 final. All five Minot State starters finished in double figures, a testament to the balanced attack that fueled the comeback.
How It Happened
First Quarter
USF set the tone early, scoring 23 points on efficient 9-for-15 shooting while knocking down three triples. Defensively, the Cougars clamped down, limiting Minot State to 36.8 percent shooting and just one made three-pointer. Krista Langager was perfect from the floor, scoring eight points with three rebounds, while Alexis Rose added seven early points to help USF grab a 23–15 lead.
Second Quarter
The Cougars' defense was even more stifling in the second period, holding Minot State to a brutal 3-for-16 from the field and 1-for-9 from beyond the arc. USF continued to attack the paint, scoring 10 of its 15 points inside and dictating the tempo. Ayla Brown led the charge with five points in the quarter as the Cougars extended their advantage to 38–23 heading into halftime.
Third Quarter
Momentum swung sharply—and dramatically—coming out of halftime. Minot State erupted offensively, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and an eye-popping 7-for-11 from three-point range. The Beavers found their rhythm, found open looks, and didn't miss. Meanwhile, USF struggled to match the pace, shooting just 29.4 percent in the quarter and watching helplessly as the lead evaporated.
The Beavers outscored the Cougars 27–12 in the third, erasing the entire deficit and tying the game at 50–50 heading into the fourth. What had been a comfortable lead was suddenly a dogfight.
Fourth Quarter
Minot State's shooting didn't cool off—it got hotter. The Beavers connected on 6-of-8 from three in the final period and finished 10-of-13 overall while adding 7-of-9 from the free-throw line. They scored 33 points in the quarter, repeatedly breaking down the defense and finding open shooters in transition and off ball movement.
USF remained cold offensively, shooting just 5-for-16 in the quarter and unable to generate consistent looks. The Beavers pulled away comfortably, closing out the 83–65 victory and handing the Cougars thee loss.
Key Team Stats
- Second-Half Shooting – Minot State went 13-for-19 from three in the second half after shooting just 15.4 percent from deep before halftime.
- Points Swing – The Beavers scored 60 second-half points after being held to 23 in the first half.
- Turnovers – USF finished with 15 turnovers in a game where extra possessions proved costly.
- Balance – All five Minot State starters reached double figures, fueling the comeback effort.
Key Cougars
Coach's Corner
"Credit goes to Minot. We didn't execute the way we needed to in the fourth quarter. We have to come together as a group, evaluate, make adjustments, and get better from it."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Up Next
The Cougars return home next weekend to host Minnesota Crookston on Friday, January 23, at 5:30 p.m., followed by MSU Moorhead on Saturday, January 24, at 3:00 p.m. Saturday's matchup will serve as USF Alumni Day, with all basketball alumni receiving complimentary tickets, in-game recognition, and an invitation to a postgame social at Gibs Sports Bar. Alumni are encouraged to RSVP HERE.
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