By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team hits the road this weekend for a challenging NSIC North Division swing, traveling to Aberdeen, South Dakota to face Northern State on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. before heading to take on Jamestown on Saturday, January 31 at 5:00 p.m.
The Cougars enter the weekend looking to build on last week's home split and prove they can win in hostile territory. Both opponents sit in the thick of the NSIC standings at 7–7 in conference play, rely heavily on three-point shooting, and present unique matchup challenges. Northern State brings a raucous atmosphere and elite perimeter defense. Jamestown counters with one of the league's most dangerous outside attacks. Execution on both ends will be critical if USF wants to return home with wins.
Scouting Northern State (7–13, 7–7 NSIC)
Northern State enters the weekend with all seven of its wins coming in conference play and looking to snap a three-game losing streak. The Wolves will host USF as part of their annual "I Hate Winter" weekend—one of the most unique and energetic atmospheres in the entire league. Wachs Arena traditionally provides a difficult road environment, and the Wolves feed off the crowd energy. South Dakota native Matt Wilber is in his first season leading the program after previous stops in the WNBA and at Dakota Wesleyan.
Offensively, Northern averages 73.7 ppg, ranking near the bottom of the NSIC, but has paired that with a solid defensive profile, allowing just 75.6 points per contest. The Wolves shoot 43.3 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from three, but here's the key: they rely heavily on volume from deep, attempting the second-most three-pointers in the conference at 28.3 per game. They'll keep launching, and if they get hot, they're dangerous.
Defensively, Northern excels at running teams off the three-point line, holding opponents to just 30.1 percent from beyond the arc—one of the best marks in the NSIC. They force difficult looks and make perimeter shooters work for everything.
The Wolves take care of the basketball, averaging just 11 turnovers per game, and move it well with 13.1 assists per contest. Joshua Book leads the team with 14.4 ppg while adding 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists, ranking fifth in the NSIC in assists. But here's what makes him truly dangerous: Book leads the entire league at the free-throw line, shooting an absurd 94.5 percent. James Glenn, Simon Akena, and Marshawn Smith all average double figures, giving Northern multiple scoring threats. Tobi Obiora anchors the glass with 7.4 rebounds per game, providing a physical presence inside.
Scouting Jamestown (9–11, 7–7 NSIC)
Jamestown enters the weekend tied with Northern State in the conference standings and searching for momentum after a four-game losing streak. The Jimmies are in their first season of full NSIC competition under second-year head coach Casey Bruggeman, and this weekend marks the first and only regular-season meeting between USF and Jamestown.
The Jimmies average 76.5 ppg and allow 77.2, sitting in the middle of the conference pack in both categories. But don't let the averages fool you—Jamestown is one of the league's most dangerous perimeter teams. They shoot 44.2 percent from the field and connect on 35.6 percent from three while making 10 triples per game, second-most in the NSIC. When they get rolling from deep, they can bury opponents quickly.
Defensively, they also limit opponents to 33.8 percent from deep, ranking fourth in the conference. The Jimmies protect the arc on both ends.
Jamestown rebounds well, outrebounding opponents by 1.6 per game and pulling down 12.1 offensive boards per contest—they crash the glass and generate second chances. Anthony Walters leads the way with 19.2 ppg, ranking fifth in the NSIC, while shooting 41 percent from three. He's a scorer who can go off at any moment. Owen Hektner adds 13.1 ppg and is one of the league's top shooters at 44 percent from deep, with most of his attempts coming from beyond the arc. Ford Okehi contributes 10.0 points and a team-high 3.3 assists per game, running the offense and creating for others.
Cougar Spotlight (11–9, 8–6 NSIC)
USF enters the weekend at 11–9 overall and 8–6 in conference play after splitting last weekend's home games. The Cougars snapped an eight-game winning streak with a loss to Minnesota Crookston before bouncing back with a thrilling one-point victory over MSU Moorhead. Now, after four straight games at home, they're back on the road and will be tested in two hostile environments.
Offensively, the Cougars rank tied for first in the NSIC at 85.5 ppg, fueled by an aggressive, downhill attack that creates contact and gets to the line. USF leads the conference in free throws attempted and offensive rebounds, averaging 14.0 offensive boards per contest and owning a dominant +6.5 rebounding margin. They create extra possessions and extra points—that's the formula.
Defensively, the Cougars continue to improve but still sit near the bottom of the league in scoring defense and opponent field goal percentage—areas that will be emphasized against two perimeter-oriented opponents who can light up the scoreboard from deep.
Brogan Madson leads USF with 17.6 ppg and has eclipsed 100 made free throws on the season, a testament to his aggressive attacking style. Taylen Ashley follows closely at 16.4 ppg. Brandon Hrncir adds efficient production inside at 13.9 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds per game. Kyle Ingwerson remains the primary floor spacer, shooting 40 percent from three with a team-high 53 made triples. Freshman Bryon Laue has continued to grow in his role, coming off a weekend where he averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on near-perfect shooting.
Numbers Game
- Aggression: The Cougars lead the NSIC in free throws attempted and offensive rebounds, creating extra scoring opportunities through relentless attack.
- Rebounding Edge: USF owns a +6.5 rebounding margin, a key advantage heading into two road games where controlling the glass will be critical.
- Arc Defense: The Wolves hold opponents to just 30.1 percent from three, excelling at running shooters off the line and forcing difficult looks.
- Ball Security: Northern averages just 11 turnovers per game, relying on discipline and ball movement rather than pressure defense.
- Three-Point Volume: The Jimmies make 10 threes per game, second-most in the NSIC, posing a major perimeter challenge that will test USF's closeouts.
- Efficiency: Anthony Walters ranks fifth in the NSIC at 19.2 ppg while shooting 41 percent from deep—a scorer who can take over games.
Coach's Corner
"This will be a tough road trip this weekend against two of the top teams in the North. We will have to play better than we did last weekend on both sides of the ball. Both teams make a lot of threes and present different matchup problems."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Friday, Jan. 30 at Northern State
Saturday, Jan. 31 at Jamestown
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