By: Logan Anderson
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team officially tips off the 2026–27 season on Monday, November 9, traveling to Fayette, Iowa, to take on Upper Iowa University. The Cougars and Peacocks will square off at 7:00 p.m. inside Dorman Memorial Gymnasium as USF looks to open the new campaign with a road victory.
Coming off a 15–15 season under head coach Chris Johnson, the Cougars return several experienced contributors from an offense that led the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in scoring last year. With a combination of established veterans and new talent, Sioux Falls will face an early test against an Upper Iowa program that finished above .500 in MIAA competition last season.
Series Snapshot
Monday's matchup marks the 25th all-time meeting between Sioux Falls and Upper Iowa, with the Peacocks holding a 14–10 advantage in the series. The two programs have not met since February 11, 2023, when Upper Iowa claimed a 95–90 victory in Sioux Falls.
The Peacocks have won the last four meetings, including a 92–71 victory in Fayette during the 2022–23 season. Sioux Falls holds a 3–7 record in road matchups against Upper Iowa and will look to snap the four-game skid in its first meeting with the Peacocks since their departure from the NSIC.
Scouting the Peacocks (17–11, 12–8 MIAA in 2025–26)
Upper Iowa enters the new campaign following a 17–11 season that included a 12–8 mark in MIAA competition. The Peacocks averaged 82.8 points per game while allowing 78.5, finishing with a +4.3 scoring margin. Their offensive production was supported by consistent ball movement and an ability to create scoring opportunities in transition, making them a challenging matchup throughout conference play.
Offensively, Upper Iowa shot 45.0 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from three-point range, connecting on 8.9 triples per game. The Peacocks averaged 16.6 assists against 11.6 turnovers per contest, demonstrating their ability to distribute the basketball while limiting mistakes. Defensively, Upper Iowa forced 15.7 turnovers per game and collected 8.8 steals, creating additional possessions and opportunities to push the tempo.
The Peacocks return several important contributors, highlighted by fifth-year forward Kyle Hrncir, who led the team with 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game last season. Junior guard Jack Miller provides another established scoring option after averaging 11.3 points while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from beyond the arc. Sophomore forward Cael Reichter adds an interior presence after contributing 8.4 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 62.0 percent from the floor. Upper Iowa also welcomes several new faces, including Buffalo transfer Eric Kenesie and South Dakota transfer Jonah Funk, as the Peacocks look to build on last season's production.
Cougar Spotlight
Sioux Falls enters the 2026–27 campaign following a 15–15 season that included an 11–11 mark in NSIC play. The Cougars earned the No. 8 seed in the conference tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Wayne State 94–76 in the opening round. USF finished the season leading the NSIC in scoring at 85.5 points per game while averaging 39.6 rebounds and 15.4 assists per contest, establishing an offensive identity built around attacking the basket, creating second-chance opportunities and sharing the basketball.
Senior guard Taylen Ashley returns after averaging 16.0 points per game last season, providing the Cougars with an experienced scoring option in the backcourt. Fifth-year forward Kyle Ingwerson adds another proven offensive threat after averaging 13.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while connecting on 80 three-pointers at a 38.8 percent clip. Junior guard Jacoby Mehrman also returns to the rotation, bringing experience and versatility on both ends of the floor. Alongside the veteran core, seniors Alex Mattes, Lewis Woosnam and Gerard Bosch will look to provide leadership and depth as Sioux Falls establishes its rotation.
The Cougars will also look for contributions from a talented group of younger players and newcomers. Junior forwards Noah Brumfield and Jamile Johnson join the program with previous collegiate experience, while freshmen Rio Aguirre, Brady Nick, Trey Parker, Tate Gerdes, Austin Crider and Henry Gaffney provide additional options throughout the lineup. Returning players Camden Davis, Marshall Smythe and Bryon Laue will also compete for expanded roles as Sioux Falls looks to maintain its offensive production while improving defensively after allowing 84.9 points per game last season.
Numbers Game
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Scoring Power: Sioux Falls averaged an NSIC-leading 85.5 points per game last season, while Upper Iowa scored 82.8, setting up an early matchup between two productive offenses.
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Peacock Pressure: Upper Iowa forced 15.7 turnovers per contest and averaged 8.8 steals last season, making ball security an important factor for the Cougars.
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Perimeter Threat: Kyle Ingwerson connected on 80 three-pointers at a 38.8 percent clip last season, providing USF with a proven outside scoring option.
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Inside Presence: Upper Iowa's Kyle Hrncir averaged 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, making him a key player for Sioux Falls to account for on both ends of the floor.
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Battle on the Boards: Sioux Falls averaged 39.6 rebounds per game with a +5.0 rebounding margin last season, an area the Cougars will look to control against the Peacocks.
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Sharing the Rock: USF averaged 15.4 assists per game last season, while Upper Iowa recorded 16.6, highlighting the importance of ball movement and creating quality scoring opportunities.
Coach's Corner
"We're excited to get the season started with this group. We're ready to play someone else and compete in a game that matters. We know how good Upper Iowa is, and this will be a big challenge on the road. This is a great game to start our season."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Tipoff: Monday, November 9 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Dorman Memorial Gymnasium – Fayette, Iowa
Livestream: GLVC Sports Network (Subscription Required)
Live Stats: Upper Iowa Live Stats
Next Up: The Cougars travel to Kansas City, Missouri, for the NSIC-MIAA Challenge, facing Pittsburg State on Friday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. before taking on Missouri S&T on Saturday, November 14 at 12:00 p.m. Both contests will be played at Municipal Auditorium.
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