By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - It's win-or-go-home time inside the Stewart Center.
The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team opens the NSIC Tournament as the No. 8 seed on Wednesday, February 25, hosting No. 9 seed Wayne State at 6:00 p.m. in a winner-take-all showdown. The two teams split the regular-season series, setting up a decisive rubber match exactly one week after their last meeting—a 119–114 overtime thriller won by the Cougars that featured Brogan Madson's 45-point performance.
This is March. One game. One winner. One loser goes home.
With both teams finishing 11–11 in conference play, familiarity will be sky-high and adjustments will be critical. The Cougars will look to lean on their home-court advantage, where they've gone 10–5 this season and averaged 86.4 ppg, against a Wayne State squad that is just 4–9 away from home. The Stewart Center has been a fortress this season—now it needs to be electric on Wednesday night.
Scouting Wayne State (15–13, 11–11 NSIC)
Wayne State enters the tournament as the No. 9 seed after splitting last week, falling to USF in that overtime thriller before closing the regular season with a dominant 72–42 blowout win over Southwest Minnesota State. The Wildcats have proven to be significantly tougher in Wayne, Nebraska than on the road, making Wednesday's setting in the Stewart Center a major advantage for the Cougars—if they can capitalize on it.
Offensively, Wayne State averages 76.9 ppg while allowing 74.4 (fifth-best in the NSIC in scoring defense). The Wildcats are built on defense and generating most of their offense inside the arc, ranking 14th in the conference in three-point makes per game at just 7.0, despite shooting a solid 36.6 percent from deep when they do let it fly. They pick their spots from three and focus on attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line. Wayne State is last in the NSIC in defensive rebounds but still maintains a positive rebounding margin overall through offensive glass work. Defensively, they create disruption by forcing 13.0 turnovers per contest and averaging 7.9 steals per game—the Wildcats have active hands and force mistakes.
The Wildcats feature balanced scoring with six players averaging 8.5 points or more per game, meaning fresh legs keep coming in waves. Matt Noll leads at 13.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest, providing steady production. Andrew Stokes adds 12.5 points, doing much of his work in the paint and at the free-throw line with physicality. JJ Ferrin is the primary perimeter threat, with 174 of his 276 attempts coming from three-point range—when he gets hot, he's dangerous. Aurrion Harris impacts every area of the floor with 10.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and team highs in steals and blocks—he's the glue guy who does everything. Kai Smith and Darshan Thomas round out the rotation at 9.4 and 8.5 points per game, respectively, giving Wayne State depth that extends beyond the starting five.
Cougar Spotlight (14–14, 11–11 NSIC)
USF enters postseason play as the No. 8 seed with a 14–14 overall record and an 11–11 mark in conference action. The Cougars have been significantly stronger at home all season, posting a 10–5 record inside the Stewart Center. Home matters. The crowd matters. Wednesday night, both need to show up.
The two regular-season matchups between USF and Wayne State have been absolute offensive showcases—high-scoring, back-and-forth battles that came down to the wire. The Cougars are averaging 99 ppg against the Wildcats while shooting an absurd 58.8 percent from the field across the two games. Wayne State has countered with 102.5 ppg in the series, fueled in part by a scorching 47.5 percent performance from three. Limiting perimeter efficiency and getting defensive stops will be the key storyline Wednesday night—because offense hasn't been the problem for either team.
Brogan Madson has been absolutely electric against the Wildcats, averaging 29.5 ppg in the two matchups, including the record-tying 45-point explosion in last week's overtime thriller. He's shooting 67.9 percent from the floor in the series and has proven he can take over games against Wayne State. Taylen Ashley is averaging 22 ppg against the Wildcats this season, providing a lethal second scoring option. Gerard Bosch made a major impact in his lone appearance against Wayne State, posting 11 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in a near triple-double performance that orchestrated the offense.
On the season, Madson leads the Cougars at 19.7 ppg in his standout freshman campaign, followed by Ashley at 14.9 ppg. Brandon Hrncir contributes 13.7 points and 5.8 rebounds on 51.2 percent shooting, providing steady interior presence. Kyle Ingwerson adds 13.6 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 39.7 percent from three, stretching defenses and creating space. Jacoby Mehrman continues to provide efficiency and versatility, shooting 57.7 percent from the floor and doing all the dirty work.
Numbers Game
- Third Time: Wednesday marks the third meeting between USF and Wayne State, with the season series split 1–1. Familiarity is high. Adjustments will be critical.
- Home Court: The Cougars are 10–5 at home this season while the Wildcats are just 4–9 on the road. Advantage: USF.
- Offensive Efficiency: USF is shooting 58.8 percent from the field in the two matchups against Wayne State. The Cougars have scored at will.
- Perimeter Gap: Wayne State has shot 47.5 percent from three against USF this season. Limiting perimeter efficiency is the key to victory.
- Madson Factor: Brogan Madson is averaging 29.5 ppg against the Wildcats, including a 45-point, record-tying performance last week. He's been unstoppable.
- Turnover Pressure: Wayne State forces 13.0 turnovers per game and averages 7.9 steals per contest. Ball security will be critical in a one-game elimination.
Coach's Corner
"It's always a tough game when you play a team for the third time, especially a team as tough and well coached as Wayne State. We are excited to get to play at home, but we know we will have to play very well to be successful."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 25 vs Wayne State
- Tipoff: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Stewart Center – Sioux Falls, S.D.
- Broadcast/Live Stats: usfcougars.com/coverage
- Tickets: usfcougars.com/tickets
- $10 Adults / $2 Students (6-College). Tickets can be purchased online or in the Stewart Center lobby on the day of the game.
Stay Connected
For all things USF Men'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!
