SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Cougars completed the weekend sweep on Saturday afternoon, defeating MSU-Moorhead 77–65 inside the Stewart Center on Alumni Day. USF rode another scorching perimeter shooting performance and timely defensive stops to hold off the Dragons, closing the game with confidence after building and protecting a double-digit lead throughout.

Despite being heavily outrebounded, the Cougars controlled the areas that mattered most—turning turnovers into points and knocking down shots from deep—to secure the sweep, and build much-needed momentum heading deeper into NSIC play.

Game Summary

USF shot the ball with precision from the perimeter, finishing a blistering 13-for-25 (52 percent) from three-point range while clamping down on MSU-Moorhead's outside game, holding the Dragons to a frigid 3-for-20 (15 percent) from beyond the arc. The three-point disparity was the story of the game.

The Cougars also capitalized on pressure defense, forcing 17 Dragon turnovers and converting those miscues into 25 points—a crucial advantage that helped offset a significant rebounding deficit. Moorhead dominated the glass 47–27 and grabbed 24 offensive rebounds, but USF's defense limited the damage, allowing just 14 second-chance points.

Ayla Brown led a balanced USF attack with 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals—a stat line that showcased her all-around impact. Anna Vaaler added 14 points on 4-for-7 shooting from deep, providing the perimeter punch. Krista Langager and Alexis Rose also delivered steady production as the Cougars controlled the tempo and made timely plays at both ends when the game was on the line.

How It Happened

First Quarter

USF set the tone early, shooting 50 percent from the field and knocking down four three-pointers to establish control. Rease Murtaugh connected on both of her attempts from deep, while Krista Langager added six points inside, providing balance to the attack.

Defensively, the Cougars were locked in, limiting MSU-Moorhead to a brutal 4-for-19 shooting performance and just one made three. The Dragons grabbed 14 rebounds—seven offensive—but USF's defense held firm, allowing just five second-chance points. The Cougars took a 20–12 lead into the second quarter, and the foundation was set.

Second Quarter

MSU-Moorhead continued to attack the paint and control the glass, again collecting 14 rebounds with seven offensive boards. But USF's defense remained stout, holding the Dragons to 31.6 percent shooting and 1-for-7 from three. Moorhead couldn't buy a bucket from the perimeter.

Meanwhile, USF stretched the floor with four more triples, including two from Anna Vaaler, who was finding her rhythm. The Cougars entered halftime up 38–26, firmly in control and playing with confidence.

Third Quarter

The Dragons found more offensive efficiency in the third, shooting 7-for-15, but were still unable to connect from deep. USF nearly matched that output and used defensive pressure to swing momentum, forcing six turnovers and turning them into nine points.

Ayla Brown took over in the quarter, scoring seven points while orchestrating the offense and applying relentless defensive pressure. The Cougars extended their lead to 57–43 heading into the fourth, and the Stewart Center crowd could sense the victory.

Fourth Quarter

MSU-Moorhead posted its most efficient shooting quarter at 52.9 percent, finally finding some offensive rhythm. But the Dragons continued to struggle from three-point range, and it was too little, too late.

USF answered with poise and precision, converting 8-of-13 shots and a perfect 3-for-3 from deep in the quarter. The Cougars turned four Dragon turnovers into eight points and limited second-chance damage despite six offensive rebounds. With calm execution and clutch shooting, USF closed out the 77–65 win, completing the weekend sweep.

Key Team Stats

• Perimeter Shooting: USF hit 13 three-pointers at a 52 percent clip, while MSU-Moorhead finished a dismal 3-for-20 from deep. The disparity from beyond the arc was the difference.
• Turnovers: The Cougars forced 17 turnovers and scored 25 points off them, turning defense into offense and capitalizing on Dragon mistakes.
• Rebounding: MSU-Moorhead held a commanding 47–27 edge on the glass and grabbed 24 offensive rebounds, but USF's defense limited the damage, allowing only 14 second-chance points.
• Paint vs. Perimeter: The Dragons outscored USF 46–24 in the paint, but the Cougars countered with efficient, high-value perimeter shooting that stretched the floor and kept Moorhead scrambling.

Key Cougars

• Ayla Brown – 16 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
• Anna Vaaler – 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 4-for-7 from three
• Krista Langager – 13 points, 4 rebounds, 5-for-8 shooting
• Alexis Rose – 11 points, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Rease Murtaugh – 9 points, 3-for-5 from three
• Gracie Traphagen – 6 points, 2-for-4 from three, 3 rebounds

Coach's Corner

"Very happy to get a sweep this weekend. It's kind of amazing giving up so many offensive rebounds and still being able to win a game like that. We shot the three really well, shared the basketball, and got enough stops. Very proud of the team and hopefully we can keep this going."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen

Up Next

The Cougars hit the road next weekend, traveling north to face the Northern State Wolves on Friday, January 30, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a matchup with the Jamestown Jimmies on Saturday, January 31, at 3:00 p.m.

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