SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, knocking off Winona State 66–53 inside the Stewart Center on Valentine's Day. Behind a dominant career performance from freshman Krista Langager and a defensive effort that controlled the game from start to finish, the Cougars built an early lead and never allowed the Warriors to seriously threaten down the stretch.
Game Summary
USF leaned on its interior presence, beautiful ball movement, and disciplined defense to secure the convincing victory, holding Winona State to just 37.0 percent shooting and a frigid 21.9 percent from beyond the arc. The Warriors couldn't buy a three-pointer all afternoon, and the Cougars made them pay for every miss.
The Cougars set the tone early by attacking the paint relentlessly and feeding freshman sensation Krista Langager, who finished with 28 points on a ridiculous 14-of-18 shooting night. She was unstoppable. She was efficient. USF assisted on 21 of its 28 made field goals, showcasing beautiful ball movement and creating high-percentage opportunities throughout the contest.
Anna Vaaler added a hard-fought double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, battling inside and controlling the glass. Gracie Traphagen provided a crucial spark with 10 points off three made triples, stretching the defense and opening driving lanes. Ayla Brown orchestrated everything with 8 assists.
Defensively, USF controlled the pace and rhythm from the opening tip. The Cougars held the Warriors to 20-of-54 (37.0 percent) from the field and just 7-of-32 (21.9 percent) from three-point range—suffocating perimeter defense that forced Winona into difficult looks all afternoon. USF also dominated the paint 36–24 and limited Winona State in transition, winning the fast-break battle by a staggering 12–1 margin. The consistent defensive pressure and rebounding effort allowed USF to maintain separation after halftime and close out the 13-point victory with authority.
How It Happened
1st Quarter
The Cougars established their identity early by pounding the paint. Ten of USF's 13 first-quarter points came inside, with Langager scoring eight on 4-of-5 shooting. Defensively, the Cougars were sharp, holding Winona State to 3-of-12 (25 percent) from the field and 1-of-7 (14.3 percent) from three. USF led 13–9 after one.
2nd Quarter
The second quarter followed a similar script. Langager added six more points inside, drawing attention that opened perimeter opportunities. Rease Murtaugh, Anna Fronk, and Gracie Traphagen capitalized with made threes as USF assisted on six of eight field goals in the period. The defense created real separation, limiting WSU to 4-of-15 (26.7 percent) shooting and 1-of-8 from three. The Cougars outscored the Warriors 19–9 in the quarter to take a commanding 32–18 lead into halftime.
3rd Quarter
Winona State responded with improved offensive rhythm coming out of halftime, using an 8–0 run to cut the deficit to 32–26 and force a USF timeout. The Warriors hit some shots, found some confidence, and suddenly the game was threatening to get interesting.
But the Cougars answered immediately with a quick 5–0 burst to restore a double-digit lead and slam the door on any comeback hopes. WSU shot 7-of-13 and hit 3-of-7 from deep in the quarter, scoring 19 points—their best offensive showing of the game. But USF stayed steady, shooting 50 percent from the field and 3-of-8 from three while maintaining control. The Cougars finished the period with a 48–37 advantage, still firmly in command.
4th Quarter
The Warriors never managed to trim the lead to single digits in the final frame. Every time they tried to make a push, USF had an answer. Langager remained the focal point, scoring 10 more points on 5-of-6 shooting in the quarter—continuing her dominant performance all the way to the final buzzer.
Anna Vaaler chipped in five points, and USF shot 8-of-17 (47.1 percent) in the quarter while converting at the free-throw line to seal the deal. The Cougars closed out the 66–53 victory with poise, discipline, and complete control.
Key Team Stats
- Defense: USF held WSU to 37.0 percent shooting (20-54) and a frigid 21.9 percent from three (7-32). The perimeter defense was suffocating.
- Ball Movement: The Cougars recorded 21 assists on 28 made field goals. Unselfish, high-IQ basketball at its finest.
- Paint Presence: USF dominated inside with a 36–24 advantage in paint points, imposing their will in the interior.
- Transition Control: The Cougars won fast-break points 12–1, turning defense into easy offense all afternoon.
Key Cougars
Coach's Corner
"Thought we played a complete 40 minutes. Funny how when you guard and rebound how the game becomes easier. Proud of more of a complete effort."
– Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Up Next
The Cougars close out the regular season next week with a home matchup against Wayne State on Wednesday, February 18th at 5:30 p.m., followed by a road contest at Augustana on Saturday, February 21st at 1:30 p.m.
Stay Connected
For all things USF Women's Basketball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
