SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Cougars endured a difficult shooting night on the road, falling 57–53 to Jamestown on Saturday afternoon. Despite forcing turnovers, generating extra possessions, and battling on the glass, the Cougars were unable to find offensive rhythm in a low-scoring NSIC battle that came down to execution.
USF trimmed the deficit late and had opportunities down the stretch, but cold shooting throughout the game proved too much to overcome as Jamestown held on for the four-point win.
Game Summary
The Cougars struggled to generate consistent offense from the opening tip, finishing the game shooting 19.1 percent from the field and 24.3 percent from three-point range. Shots that normally fall simply didn't drop. USF was unable to convert opportunities inside, going just 4-for-31 from two-point range, and scored only six points in the paint—an uncharacteristic struggle for a team that can thrive in the interior.
Even with 19 offensive rebounds and 17 Jamestown turnovers forced, the Cougars couldn't capitalize enough to swing the outcome. The shots just wouldn't fall.
Jamestown relied heavily on the three-point line, knocking down 11 triples to maintain separation throughout the game. Anna Vaaler led USF with 14 points and eight rebounds, battling through the tough shooting night. Alexis Rose added 13 points, and Krista Langager fought on the glass with 10 rebounds. But in a game where every possession mattered, the shooting woes ultimately dictated the result.
How It Happened
First Quarter
USF's offensive struggles began early, as the Cougars went just 2-for-17 from the field and 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. Five free throws helped keep things close, but Jamestown connected on three triples to take a 14–10 lead after one quarter. The shots weren't falling, but USF stayed within striking distance.
Second Quarter
The Cougars showed modest improvement in the second quarter, hitting 3-of-10 from deep and adding another five points at the free-throw line. USF collected eight offensive rebounds in the period—hustling and fighting for extra chances—but turned those into only four second-chance points. Defensively, the Cougars clamped down, limiting Jamestown to 1-for-7 shooting from three and trimming the deficit to just 28–26 at halftime. Still in the game.
Third Quarter
USF found a bit more rhythm offensively in the third, scoring 16 points and knocking down four three-pointers. The ball moved better, and the Cougars assisted on four of their five made field goals. But Jamestown answered with six made shots—all from beyond the arc—to outscore USF 18–16 and push the lead to 46–42 heading into the fourth. The Jimmies stayed hot from deep, and the margin held.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter mirrored much of the night for USF, as the Cougars shot just 2-for-16 from the field and 1-for-9 from three. The looks were there. The effort was there. The shots just wouldn't drop. USF pulled within two points with 1:28 remaining on free throws from Anna Fronk, giving themselves a chance to steal it late. But Jamestown matched the Cougars point for point in the final stretch to secure the 57–53 victory to end their 12 game losing streak.
Key Team Stats
- Shooting: USF finished 13-for-68 (19.1 percent) from the field and 9-for-37 (24.3 percent) from three. Sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way.
- Inside Scoring: The Cougars scored just six points in the paint compared to 14 for Jamestown. An unusually quiet night in the interior.
- Extra Possessions: USF forced 17 turnovers and grabbed 19 offensive rebounds but couldn't fully capitalize on the opportunities created.
- Perimeter Play: Jamestown hit 11 three-pointers, providing just enough separation in a low-scoring, grind-it-out game.
Key Cougars
Coach's Corner
"Give all the credit to Jamestown. Anytime you shoot in the low 20s, you're not giving yourself a shot to win many games. We need to figure out some consistency within our program at this point."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Up Next
The Cougars remain on the road next weekend, traveling to face No. 2 Minnesota State on Thursday, February 5, before heading to St. Cloud State for a Saturday, February 7 matchup.
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