SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Cougars delivered a gritty, nerve-wracking finish Saturday night inside the Stewart Center, holding off MSU Moorhead 82–81 in an Alumni Day thriller that came down to the final possession. After building a double-digit halftime lead, the Cougars weathered a furious second-half surge from the Dragons and sealed the win with clutch free throws and a defensive stand in the closing seconds that had the crowd holding its breath.

This wasn't pretty. But in conference play, survival is beautiful.

Game Summary

Sioux Falls set the tone early with efficient offense and unselfish ball movement, assisting on 22 of its 30 made field goals while committing just eight turnovers for the game. The Cougars also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 40–31 and collecting 11 offensive rebounds to generate extra possessions in a game decided by a single point. Despite shooting just 25 percent from three, USF stayed connected through interior scoring, free throws, and timely execution when it mattered most.

MSU Moorhead answered with a scorching second half, shooting 56.1 percent from the field for the game and trimming the deficit to a single possession in the final minute. The Dragons' offensive efficiency kept constant pressure on USF throughout, but missed free throws and a contested look on the final possession allowed the Cougars to escape with the win. Balanced contributions across the lineup and ice-cold composure at the stripe proved decisive in the one-point victory.

How It Happened

First Half

Sioux Falls put together one of its sharpest offensive halves of the season, shooting 52.9 percent from the floor and sharing the ball at an elite level. The Cougars assisted on 15 first-half field goals and knocked down four three-pointers, building a commanding 46–35 advantage at the break. USF also won the rebounding battle 21–15 in the opening 20 minutes, limiting second-chance opportunities and controlling the tempo.

Camden Davis provided a major spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on a scorching 5-of-6 shooting while adding five rebounds. He was everywhere—attacking the rim, finishing through contact, and energizing the Stewart Center crowd. Gerard Bosch and Brogan Madson each contributed eight points, and Bryon Laue was absolutely perfect from the field, going 3-for-3 for six points and five rebounds.

MSU Moorhead stayed efficient offensively, but USF's pace, ball movement, and unselfish play allowed the Cougars to control the half and take a double-digit lead into the locker room. Everything was clicking.

Second Half

The Dragons stormed back after halftime, shooting an absurd 63 percent from the field in the second half and holding USF to just 40 percent shooting. MSUM also clamped down on the perimeter, limiting the Cougars to just one made three after the break.

Free throws kept the Dragons from taking control. MSUM went just 9-of-16 at the line in the half, leaving points on the board and keeping the door open for USF.

Sioux Falls stayed composed in the final minutes behind timely scoring and clutch free throws. Taylen Ashley took over, pouring in 15 second-half points while adding four assists, attacking the rim and making plays when the game was on the line. Bryon Laue remained perfect, finishing 4-for-4 from the floor and 2-for-2 at the line in the half—seven-for-seven for the game.

Then came the defining moment. With 14 seconds remaining and the game hanging in the balance, Jacoby Mehrman stepped to the line and calmly knocked down two free throws to put USF ahead by one. The pressure was now on Moorhead.

The Dragons pushed the ball up the court, looking for the winning shot. USF's defense held firm, forcing a contested look as the buzzer sounded. The rebound was secured. The game was over. The Cougars had survived 82-81.

Coach's Corner

"I'm proud of our fight and staying with it down a couple guys and seemingly in foul trouble all night. It wasn't pretty, but wins in this league seldom are. I'm happy for our guys."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson

Key Coo

• Taylen Ashley – 18 points, career-high 8 assists, 3 rebounds
• Bryon Laue – 16 points, 7-for-7 FG, 2-for-2 FT, 6 rebounds
• Camden Davis – 15 points, 5 rebounds
• Jacoby Mehrman – 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Brandon Hrncir – 4 points, team-high 10 rebounds

Key Team Stats

• Rebounding: USF won the battle 40–31, including 11 offensive rebounds that provided crucial extra possessions in a one-point game.
• Free Throws: The Cougars went 17-of-23 at the line, compared to MSUM's 11-of-21. Those missed free throws by Moorhead proved costly.
• Ball Movement: USF assisted on 22 of 30 made field goals—unselfish, high-IQ basketball that creates good shots.
• Turnovers: Sioux Falls committed just eight turnovers in the one-point win, taking care of the basketball when it mattered most.
• Defense Late: USF forced a contested final shot and secured the rebound to close it out. The game was won on the final defensive stand.

Up Next

Sioux Falls heads north next weekend, opening a road swing at Northern State on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m., before traveling to Jamestown to face the Jimmies on Saturday, January 31 at 5:00 p.m.

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