FAYETTE, Iowa – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team opened its 2026–27 season with a hard-fought overtime battle Monday night, falling 94–91 to Upper Iowa inside Dorman Memorial Gymnasium. The Cougars carried a 12-point advantage into halftime and received standout performances from Brady Nick and Jacoby Mehrman, but a second-half surge from the Peacocks forced overtime, where Upper Iowa made the final push to secure the season-opening victory.
Game Summary
Sioux Falls put together a strong offensive showing in its first game of the season, shooting 47.6 percent (30-of-63) from the field and 47.4 percent (9-of-19) from three-point range. Brady Nick led the Cougars with 24 points, connecting on 8-of-17 shots and 3-of-4 attempts from beyond the arc. Jacoby Mehrman delivered a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, adding four assists while converting 10-of-12 free throws. Kyle Ingwerson contributed 13 points, while Alex Mattes added 11 to give USF four players in double figures.
The Cougars found success creating extra opportunities, collecting 12 offensive rebounds and converting them into 19 second-chance points compared to just four for Upper Iowa. USF also scored 20 points off 11 Peacock turnovers and finished with 17 assists. Upper Iowa countered with 48.5 percent shooting (32-of-66) and 10 made three-pointers, including a strong second-half offensive performance that erased the Cougars' halftime advantage. Despite the setback, Sioux Falls showed offensive balance and competitiveness in a game that featured 17 lead changes and eight ties.
How It Happened
First Half
Sioux Falls wasted little time establishing its offensive rhythm, putting together a 45-point opening half to build a 45–33 advantage at the break. The Cougars consistently found opportunities both inside and along the perimeter, using their offensive balance to keep the Peacocks on their heels. USF's ability to create additional possessions and convert scoring opportunities helped establish the early advantage.
The Cougars also made their presence felt defensively, limiting Upper Iowa to 33 first-half points. With Nick, Mehrman and Ingwerson providing offensive production, Sioux Falls entered the locker room with a 12-point cushion and momentum firmly on its side.
Second Half
Upper Iowa responded with a much different offensive performance after halftime, scoring 50 points over the final 20 minutes of regulation. The Peacocks gradually chipped away at the Sioux Falls advantage, finding success from the field and creating opportunities to push the tempo. The Cougars continued to generate offense, adding 38 second-half points, but Upper Iowa's improved execution made it increasingly difficult for USF to maintain separation.
As the game tightened, both teams traded important baskets in a battle that ultimately required extra time. Despite surrendering their halftime advantage, the Cougars continued to compete offensively, making enough plays to finish regulation tied at 83–83 and force overtime.
Overtime
With the game hanging in the balance, both teams continued to battle for the final advantage. Sioux Falls added eight points in the five-minute period, but Upper Iowa answered with 11 to claim the 94–91 victory. The Peacocks' late offensive execution ultimately proved to be the difference, bringing an end to a closely contested season opener.
Coach's Corner
"Tough one to lose when we lead the entire night. Proud of our fight when we were missing a guy or two, bu it stings that we couldn't find a way to finish."
– Head Coach Chris Johnson
Key Coo
- Brady Nick: Led the Cougars with 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range and one steal.
- Jacoby Mehrman: Recorded a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding four assists while shooting 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.
- Kyle Ingwerson: Finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three assists, connecting on 3-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc.
- Alex Mattes: Added 11 points, two assists and one steal.
- Gerard Bosch: Contributed eight points and five rebounds on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance.
- Bryon Laue: Collected six points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Key Team Stats
- Perimeter Shooting: Sioux Falls connected on 9-of-19 three-point attempts (47.4%), while Upper Iowa finished 10-of-24 (41.7%) from beyond the arc.
- Second Chances: The Cougars turned 12 offensive rebounds into 19 second-chance points, holding a 19–4 advantage in that category.
- Ball Movement: USF recorded 17 assists on 30 made field goals, with four Cougars reaching double figures in scoring.
- Halftime Swing: Sioux Falls outscored Upper Iowa 45–33 in the first half before the Peacocks answered with a 50–38 advantage in the second.
- Turnover Production: The Cougars converted 11 Upper Iowa turnovers into 20 points.
Up Next
The Cougars continue their season-opening road trip with a trip to Kansas City, Missouri, for the NSIC-MIAA Challenge. Sioux Falls will face Pittsburg State on Friday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m., followed by Missouri S&T on Saturday, November 14 at 12:00 p.m. Both contests will take place inside Municipal Auditorium.
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