SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team fell 77–58 to Northern State in a nonconference matchup on Monday night, as a dominant fourth quarter by the Wolves sealed the outcome inside the Stewart Center. After battling through three tightly contested quarters and entering the final period tied, Northern State surged late, leaving the Cougars unable to recover.
USF showed stretches of strong play on both ends, particularly in the third quarter, but a cold shooting night down the stretch and Northern State's efficiency proved decisive.
Game Summary
The Cougars and Wolves traded momentum throughout the first three quarters before Northern State took control late. USF shot 40.0 percent from the field for the game and 27.3 percent from three, while Northern State finished at 49.2 percent overall and knocked down 7-of-17 from beyond the arc. Turnovers and second-chance opportunities also tilted the balance, as Northern State converted 14 USF turnovers into 16 points and scored 14 points off 11 offensive rebounds.
Individually, USF was paced by Anna Vaaler with 17 points, while Ayla Brown delivered an all-around performance with 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Alexis Rose added 10 points and six rebounds, and Krista Langager provided energy on the glass with five offensive rebounds.
How It Happened
First Quarter
Both teams came out sharp offensively, with USF shooting 8-for-14 (57.1%) and Northern State going 7-for-14 (50.0%). The difference early came from beyond the arc, where the Wolves connected on four three-pointers compared to one for the Cougars. USF also committed four turnovers that led to six Northern State points. Taylor Tool was tough to slow down for the Wolves, scoring nine points in the quarter, as NSU took a 24–20 lead. Langager scored five for USF, while Rose and Vaaler each added four.
Second Quarter
USF cooled off offensively in the second quarter, shooting 4-for-12 (33.3%) and committing six additional turnovers. Northern State wasn't able to fully capitalize, and the Cougars responded with a late 8–0 run to swing momentum. USF outscored the Wolves 12–10 in the quarter, trimming the deficit to two and heading into halftime trailing just 34–32.
Third Quarter
The Cougars delivered one of their best quarters of the night coming out of the break. USF shot 8-for-13 (61.5%) in the period, fueled by nine points from Ayla Brown on 3-for-4 shooting and a perfect 2-for-2 effort at the free-throw line. Northern State struggled from the floor, shooting 6-for-19 (31.6%), but stayed afloat with seven second-chance points off seven offensive rebounds and two made threes. USF closed the quarter strong and tied the game at 51 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter belonged entirely to Northern State. The Wolves shot a blistering 12-for-16 (75.0%) from the field, while USF struggled to find clean looks, going just 2-for-16 (12.5%). Northern State forced tough shots, converted efficiently on offense, and outscored the Cougars 26–7 in the period. Momentum quickly swung, and the Wolves pulled away to secure the 77–58 win.
Key Team Stats
- Northern State Efficiency: The Wolves shot 49.2 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three, including a dominant fourth quarter.
- Turnovers: USF committed 14 turnovers, which Northern State turned into 16 points.
- Second Chances: Northern State collected 11 offensive rebounds and scored 14 second-chance points, compared to USF's nine offensive boards and three points.
- Fourth Quarter Swing: Northern State outscored USF 26–7 in the final period, shooting 75.0 percent to close the game.
Key Cougars
Up Next
The Cougars head back on the road this weekend, traveling to Minnesota Duluth on Friday, January 9, followed by a matchup at Bemidji State on Saturday, January 10.
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