By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team returns home this week for a pair of pivotal NSIC matchups inside the Stewart Center, hosting Concordia-St. Paul on Thursday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. before welcoming Winona State on Saturday, February 14 at 5:00 p.m.
With the NSIC standings tightly packed and tournament positioning on the line, the Cougars enter the weekend looking to snap a three-game losing streak and reestablish their identity on both ends of the floor. USF has been markedly stronger at home this season—8-4 record, +9.7 rebounding margin, dominating opponents in the paint—and the return to Sioux Falls comes at a critical time. They face two contrasting opponents: one of the league's most dynamic offenses in Concordia-St. Paul and a tough, physical Winona State squad that handed USF a road loss earlier this season.
This weekend is about protecting home court and getting back in the win column.
Scouting Concordia-St. Paul (16–8, 11–7 NSIC)
Concordia-St. Paul enters the weekend sitting tied for fourth in the NSIC standings, firmly in the hunt for a first-round bye in the conference tournament. The Golden Bears split their most recent weekend, falling to Augustana before responding with a convincing win over Wayne State. They're battle-tested, balanced, and dangerous.
CSP claimed the first meeting between the two teams earlier this season, edging USF 95–92 in an overtime thriller in St. Paul. The Cougars know exactly what Concordia brings, and they'll be looking for revenge.
Offensively, Concordia-St. Paul is one of the most explosive teams in the league, ranking second in the NSIC at 83.6 ppg. They shoot 45.7 percent from the field and a scorching 37.5 percent from three, knocking down nearly 10 triples per contest. When they get hot from deep, they're nearly impossible to stop. The Golden Bears are also aggressive attacking the basket, ranking third in the conference in free-throw attempts while converting at a solid 74.6 percent clip. CSP owns a +2.5 rebounding margin and ranks fourth in the league in total rebounds per game—they compete on the glass and create extra possessions.
Ben Kopetzki headlines the Golden Bears' attack, leading the entire NSIC with 21.3 ppg while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from beyond the arc. He's the focal point, the go-to scorer, and the player USF must slow down. Owen Carlson adds 13.4 ppg on an efficient 51.3 percent shooting, providing a reliable interior presence. Sam West fills the stat sheet with 11.4 points, a team-high 5.5 rebounds, and team-leading assist and steal totals—he does everything. Reid Patterson and Jaden Wysocki provide additional perimeter threats, each shooting 38 percent from three and keeping defenses honest.
Previous Matchup: Overtime Thriller
Concordia edged USF 95–92 in overtime earlier this season in St. Paul. The Cougars had their chances but couldn't close it out in the extra period. Revenge is on their minds.
Scouting Winona State (9–14, 8–10 NSIC)
Winona State enters Saturday's matchup looking to build momentum after splitting last weekend's games against Wayne State and Augustana. The Warriors claimed the earlier meeting with USF this season, using a strong first half to secure a 91–77 victory in Winona. They've struggled away from home this season with a 2–8 road record, making Saturday's trip to the Stewart Center a crucial test.
Traditionally known for their grind-it-out style, Winona State averages 68.4 ppg—last in the NSIC—while allowing 74.9 ppg. They're not flashy, but they're physical and they compete. The Warriors are not a high-volume three-point shooting team, connecting on 31.4 percent from deep, but they defend the arc well, holding opponents to 34.1 percent shooting from three. Rebounding has been a challenge for the Warriors, as they rank last in total rebounds and carry a -2.1 rebounding margin—an area USF should attack relentlessly.
The Warriors rely on balance offensively, with three players averaging just over 13 ppg. Ryan Heise leads the group at 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 54.2 percent from the floor and 39.4 percent from three. Gavyn Hurley contributes 13.2 points and a team-best 6.9 rebounds per contest, anchoring the glass battle. Tyler Mason adds 13.1 ppg and serves as Winona State's primary perimeter threat. Aidan Bardic, Alessandro Tonelli, and Jaron Crews provide additional scoring depth off the bench.
Previous Matchup: Winona's Road Win
Winona State dominated the first half and held on for a 91–77 victory in Winona earlier this season. The Cougars will be looking to even the score on their home floor.
Cougar Spotlight (12–12, 9–9 NSIC)
The Cougars enter the weekend at 12–12 overall and 9–9 in conference play, aiming to halt a three-game losing streak and regain momentum at home. The numbers tell the story: USF has been significantly stronger inside the Stewart Center this season, posting an 8–4 home record and holding opponents to 79.0 ppg compared to 89.2 on the road. Home court matters, and the Cougars feed off the energy of their crowd.
The glass battle is even more pronounced. The Cougars own a dominant +9.7 rebounding margin at home, nearly eight rebounds better than their road performance. When USF controls the boards at home, they're tough to beat.
On the season, USF leads the NSIC in scoring at 84.3 ppg while also ranking first in free-throw attempts, free throws made, and offensive rebounds per game. The Cougars' aggressive offensive approach continues to create extra possessions and pressure defenses, particularly when combined with their improved efficiency at home.
Brogan Madson leads USF with 18.4 ppg and paces the NSIC in free-throw attempts, consistently getting to the line and making teams pay. Taylen Ashley adds 14.8 ppg, while Brandon Hrncir provides a steady interior presence with 14.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game on 51.1 percent shooting, controlling the paint. Kyle Ingwerson rounds out the double-figure scorers at 13.1 ppg and ranks fourth in the NSIC with 60 made three-pointers, shooting 39 percent from deep and stretching defenses.
Numbers Game
- Home Court: The Cougars average 86.4 ppg at home compared to 82.6 on the road. The Stewart Center brings out their best.
- Glass Control: USF leads the NSIC in offensive rebounds at 13.5 per game, creating extra possessions and second-chance points.
- Rebounding Edge: The Cougars own a +9.7 rebounding margin at home this season. Dominate the glass, win the game.
- Scoring Punch: The Golden Bears rank second in the NSIC at 83.6 ppg. They score in bunches and can light up the scoreboard.
- Perimeter Threat: CSP knocks down nearly 10 three-pointers per game at a 37.5 percent clip. Closeouts and transition defense will be critical.
- Defensive Arc: The Warriors hold opponents to 34.1 percent shooting from three, making perimeter shooting a challenge.
Coach's Corner
"Another tough weekend in the league, but we are happy to be in the Stewart Center after a couple of weeks on the road. Our main focus is getting back to our identity and playing better basketball. CSP is dynamic on offense and will definitely test our defense, and Winona plays with great toughness and physicality."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Thursday, Feb. 12 vs Concordia-St. Paul
Saturday, Feb. 14 vs Winona State
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