MARSHALL, Minn. — In a game that had all the makings of a classic NSIC battle, the University of Sioux Falls men's basketball team proved that wins aren't always about pretty shooting percentages—sometimes they're about heart, hustle, and finding a way. The Cougars escaped the R/A Facility on Saturday afternoon with an 81–78 victory over Southwest Minnesota State, extending their conference winning streak to three in the process.
This wasn't their cleanest performance, but it was effective when it mattered most.
Game Summary
The box score tells the story of a team that overcame adversity—cold shooting, extended droughts, the kind of offensive lulls that come from holiday rust—but the Cougars found a way to impose their will when the game was on the line. Sioux Falls dominated the glass, created extra possessions, and when the moment demanded excellence, delivered a decisive run that sealed the victory.
Brogan Madson led the way with a team-high 23 points while adding four assists and four steals in a complete performance. Four Cougars reached double figures, and the balanced attack kept SMSU's defense honest all afternoon.
The Mustangs shot exceptionally well—54.7 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from beyond the arc—but Sioux Falls answered efficiency with effort, launching 16 more shots by crashing the offensive glass relentlessly and creating havoc defensively. Then came the game-changer: a 16–0 run that completely shifted momentum and put the Cougars in control down the stretch.
How It Happened
First Half
Southwest Minnesota State grabbed a narrow 35–33 halftime advantage as the Cougars struggled to find their offensive rhythm early. Sioux Falls managed just 11-of-36 shooting in the opening frame, but stayed within striking distance by knocking down six three-pointers on 18 attempts and collecting eight offensive rebounds.
Kyle Ingwerson led the first-half scoring with 11 points, while Madson added 10. Brandon Hrncir was active on the glass, pulling down five rebounds—four of them on the offensive end—giving USF second-chance opportunities when their shots weren't falling.
The Mustangs controlled the paint (18–8) and received a significant boost from their bench (13–3 scoring advantage), but the Cougars stayed competitive by forcing seven turnovers and battling for every possession. SMSU shot an efficient 15-of-28, but couldn't create separation from the determined visitors.
Second Half
The Cougars flipped the script after halftime, outscoring Southwest Minnesota State 48–43 in the final 20 minutes to secure the win. After falling behind by as many as 12 points, Sioux Falls delivered the defining stretch of the game—a 16–0 run that completely changed the complexion of the contest.
USF shot a much-improved 19-of-33 (57.6 percent) after the break, attacking the rim with purpose and finishing through contact. Madson scored 13 of his 23 points in the second half while drawing four fouls and keeping constant pressure on SMSU's defense. Alex Mattes provided a crucial spark off the bench, delivering 11 second-half points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting, including 2-for-2 from three-point range.
The Mustangs continued shooting well (56.0 percent, seven threes in the half), but 10 turnovers and USF's relentless offensive rebounding finally caught up to them. When the Cougars needed stops, they got them, and when they needed baskets, they found ways to score.
Coach's Corner
"Gritty win by our guys when we really didn't shoot the ball very well. 16 offensive boards really helped make up for that. Brogan had a big day, so did Kyle, but I really thought we got a great boost from Mattes in the second half as well. Good team win."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Offensive Glass: Sioux Falls grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, leading to 10 second-chance points and extended possessions that kept drives alive.
- Extra Chances: The Cougars attempted 16 more shots than SMSU, a significant advantage created by offensive rebounds and forcing 17 turnovers.
- Late Run: A decisive 16–0 run erased a 12-point deficit and shifted momentum when the Cougars needed it most.
- Ball Pressure: USF forced 17 Mustang turnovers, turning defense into offense and keeping SMSU's potent attack off-balance.
- Efficiency Offset: Despite SMSU shooting 29-of-53 from the field and 10-of-18 from three, Sioux Falls controlled the game through effort plays and execution on the margins.
Up Next
The Cougars return home to the Stewart Center on Monday, January 5th hosting Briar Cliff at 5:30 p.m. in a makeup game originally scheduled for November.
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