SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The University of Sioux Falls men's basketball team kept their momentum rolling on Monday afternoon, grinding out an 81–75 victory over Briar Cliff inside the Stewart Center. The win pushed the Cougars' winning streak to four games in a physical, paint-dominated battle that required clutch execution and second-half composure to put away a scrappy Charger squad.
Game Summary
This was a blue-collar victory through and through. Both teams traded blows in a back-and-forth contest that stayed tight for the better part of 40 minutes. Sioux Falls shot an efficient 50 percent from the field (32-of-64), methodically attacking the rim and imposing their will in the paint while Briar Cliff refused to go away quietly.
Four Cougars reached double figures, led by Brogan Madson's team-high 21 points, as USF found ways to score even when the perimeter game went cold. The difference came after halftime, where Sioux Falls outscored the Chargers 43–37 behind relentless interior scoring and timely free-throw shooting that ultimately sealed the deal.
Taylen Ashley and Madson combined for 21 second-half points, while Brandon Hrncir delivered a perfect shooting performance after the break. When the dust settled, it was the Cougars' dominance on the glass and their poise in crunch time that made the difference in the six-point win.
How It Happened
First Half
Briar Cliff came out sharp, connecting on 15-of-31 from the floor while Sioux Falls answered with a 15-of-33 effort. Neither team found a rhythm from deep—USF managed just 2-of-10 from three while the Chargers hit 4-of-13. The Cougars established their identity early, however, bullying Briar Cliff inside for a 24–16 paint advantage.
The first 20 minutes featured five lead changes and four ties as neither squad could create separation. Ball security was excellent on both sides with just two turnovers apiece, and the rebounding battle stayed competitive with USF holding a narrow 20–17 edge. The teams headed to the locker room deadlocked after a tightly contested opening half.
Second Half
Sioux Falls took control after intermission, outscoring Briar Cliff 43–37 to close out the victory. The paint remained the Cougars' domain, where they pounded out a 28–16 scoring advantage in the half. Ashley sparked the offense with 11 second-half points while Madson added 10 more, consistently attacking a tiring Charger defense.
Hrncir was surgical in the second half—a flawless 4-for-4 from the field for nine points while pulling down five rebounds. The Cougars crashed the offensive glass for seven second-half boards, creating extra possessions at critical moments. When the game was on the line, Madson calmly sank all of his free throws to ice the win.
Coach's Corner
"It was good to keep our winning streak going. We didn't play our best basketball, but give Briar Cliff a lot of credit for that. We found a way, and now we need to get back to practice and get ready for road games at Duluth and Bemidji."
— Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
Key Team Stats
- Paint: Sioux Falls owned a 52–32 advantage in points in the paint.
- Rebounding: The Cougars outrebounded Briar Cliff 42–28, including 10 offensive rebounds.
- Shooting: USF finished at 50.0 percent from the field while holding Briar Cliff to fewer second-half opportunities inside.
- Balance: Four Cougars scored in double figures, providing consistent offense throughout the lineup.
- Free Throws: Sioux Falls went 12-of-17 at the line, converting key attempts late.
Up Next
The Cougars hit the road next weekend, traveling to face Minnesota Duluth on January 9 and Bemidji State on January 10.
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