JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team came up short Saturday night, falling 87–73 to Jamestown inside Harold Newman Arena in a game decided from beyond the arc. An efficient shooting night from the Jimmies—particularly from three-point range—proved to be the difference as Sioux Falls couldn't overcome the perimeter deficit despite strong interior production and relentless second-chance opportunities.
Game Summary
Jamestown set the tone early with hot shooting and crisp tempo, finishing the night shooting 52.5 percent from the floor and a blistering 42.9 percent from three-point range. The Jimmies knocked down 12 triples, repeatedly answering every USF push with timely perimeter daggers.
Sioux Falls countered with physical play inside, outscoring the Jimmies 52–32 in the paint and collecting 14 offensive rebounds that turned into 24 second-chance points. The Cougars dominated the interior and won the rebounding battle 36–31, but it wasn't enough to overcome the massive gap from beyond the arc.
The Cougars shot 46.9 percent from the field for the game but were limited to just two made three-pointers on 12 attempts. While Sioux Falls repeatedly fought back and made pushes, Jamestown answered each time with timely perimeter shots and free throws to maintain separation and control. Brogan Madson led USF with 24 points, but Jamestown's balance, efficiency, and shot-making from deep ultimately sealed the 14-point victory.
How It Happened
First Half
Jamestown jumped out early behind an ultra-efficient offensive start, shooting a scorching 19-of-33 from the floor and knocking down seven three-pointers in the opening half alone. The Jimmies were on fire, finding open looks and burying shots from every angle.
Sioux Falls stayed aggressive inside, going 15-of-34 from the field and collecting eight offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points. The Cougars pounded the paint and fought for every extra possession, but they struggled to keep pace with Jamestown's perimeter shooting barrage.
Brogan Madson carried the early scoring load for USF with 10 first-half points, attacking the rim and keeping the Cougars in striking distance. Sioux Falls won the rebounding battle 19–14 in the half, controlling the glass and creating extra opportunities. But turnovers proved costly—USF committed eight in the opening 20 minutes, allowing the Jimmies to capitalize and extend their lead.
Jamestown took a commanding 48–35 lead into halftime, and the Cougars had work to do.
Second Half
The second half turned into a series of scoring runs and momentum swings, with Sioux Falls repeatedly working its way back into the game. The Cougars shot 15-of-30 from the floor in the half and continued to attack inside, but the perimeter remained ice-cold. USF went 0-for-5 from three-point range in the second half, unable to find any rhythm from deep.
Jamestown's shooting cooled slightly, but the Jimmies still connected on five second-half threes and made 8 at the free-throw line to halt every USF push. Every time the Cougars clawed closer, Jamestown had an answer.
Madson added 14 more points after the break to finish with a team-high 24, battling and competing until the final buzzer. Brandon Hrncir chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, providing steady production. Jacoby Mehrman added 10 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Despite improved defensive stretches and gritty effort, Jamestown's timely answers and hot shooting kept the Cougars at arm's length and secured the 87–73 final.
Coach's Corner
"Jamestown played better than we did in about every facet of the game and deserved to win for sure. We haven't had too many off nights offensively, but certainly did tonight, and coupled with our inability to get stops, it made it hard."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Perimeter Shooting: Jamestown hit 12-of-28 from three (42.9 percent), compared to USF's 2-of-12 (16.7 percent). The three-point line was the difference.
- Efficiency: The Jimmies shot 52.5 percent from the field, while Sioux Falls finished at 46.9 percent. Jamestown was hot all night.
- Paint Presence: USF held a dominant 52–32 advantage in points in the paint, controlling the interior battle.
- Second Chances: The Cougars grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, converting them into 24 second-chance points. The effort was there.
- Rebounding: Sioux Falls won the glass 36–31 but couldn't close the massive shooting gap from beyond the arc.
Up Next
The Cougars return to the road next weekend, traveling to Minnesota State on Thursday, February 5, before facing (RV) St. Cloud State on Saturday, February 7.
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