By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team heads north for an opening round NSIC Tournament matchup against St. Cloud State on Wednesday night in Halenbeck Hall. The Cougars enter postseason play as the No. 9 seed with a 13–15 overall record and a 10–12 mark in conference play—but more importantly, they're riding a three-game winning streak and playing strong basketball at exactly the right time.
St. Cloud State secured the No. 8 seed at 13–14 overall and 10–12 in the NSIC, making this a true toss-up matchup between evenly matched programs. The teams split their regular season meetings, setting up a rubber match with a trip to the Sanford Pentagon on the line. With both programs intimately familiar with each other's strengths, tendencies, and personnel, Wednesday's winner-take-all showdown will likely come down to execution, toughness, and late-game composure in a hostile road environment.
This is March basketball. Every possession matters. One game to advance.
Scouting St. Cloud State (13–14 Overall, 10–12 NSIC)
St. Cloud State enters the tournament after dropping its final two games of the regular season, snapping a five-game winning streak that included a convincing victory over USF back in early February. The Huskies average 71.1 ppg while allowing 68.7, relying on balanced scoring, crisp ball movement, and offensive structure rather than isolation play or one-on-one dominance.
The Huskies shoot 41.9 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from three, ranking sixth in the NSIC in three-point percentage despite attempting the second-fewest threes in the league—they pick their spots carefully and knock them down when it counts. They are second in the conference in free-throw attempts allowed, defending without sending teams to the line and forcing opponents to earn everything in the halfcourt. St. Cloud State ranks first in the NSIC in assists per game at 17.4 and forces 16.9 turnovers per contest (third-most in the league), using defensive pressure and active hands to create turnovers that turn into transition opportunities.
On the glass, the Huskies carry a solid +4.0 rebounding margin and average 13.7 offensive rebounds per game—the second-highest total in the conference. They crash the boards relentlessly, creating second-chance opportunities and wearing opponents down with physical play inside.
Jada Eggebrecht is the Huskies' leading scorer and most dangerous weapon, averaging 14.6 ppg while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three. She's also a 93.7 percent free-throw shooter who rarely misses from the stripe. Eggebrecht torched USF for 27 points in the Huskies' earlier victory and will be the focal point of the scouting report. Alana Zarneke adds 11.2 ppg and leads the team in three-point attempts, providing perimeter spacing. Abigail O'Reilly averages 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the floor and leading the team in free-throw attempts. Rachel Kottke contributes 8.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest, while Kristi Kottke provides 5.7 rebounds per game off the bench while providing fresh legs.
Cougar Spotlight (13–15 Overall, 10–12 NSIC)
USF enters tournament play as the No. 9 seed at 13–15 overall and 10–12 in conference action, seeking to extend a three-game winning streak and prove they can win in hostile territory with everything on the line. The Cougars are 3–8 on the road this season—a stat that needs to change Wednesday night if they want to advance.
The regular season series between these teams was split, with USF earning a hard-fought 79–76 win in Sioux Falls before falling 72–56 in St. Cloud in early February. The road loss stings, but it also provides a blueprint for what needs to change.
In the two matchups this season, the Cougars averaged 67.5 ppg while allowing 74.0. USF has outrebounded St. Cloud State by a +4.0 margin in the series—a positive sign—but has averaged 19 turnovers per game in the two contests, a number that absolutely must come down in a one-game elimination scenario. Ball security will be critical. The Cougars have also been outscored 46–26 in the first quarter across the two meetings, putting massive emphasis on a stronger, more aggressive start Wednesday night. Get behind early on the road in tournament play, and the hill becomes nearly impossible to climb.
Anna Vaaler has been dominant against St. Cloud this season, averaging 21.0 points and 11 rebounds per game in the two matchups. On the year, she leads USF with 17.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while knocking down a team-high 64 three-pointers. She's the offensive engine and will need to be at her best.
Krista Langager averages 16.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest while shooting a blistering 60.7 percent from the field. She's coming off her second consecutive NSIC Shining 5 recognition after averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 61.5 percent last week. The freshman is peaking at exactly the right time, and her interior presence will be critical against St. Cloud's physical frontcourt.
Alexis Rose adds 12.1 ppg with the ability to score at all three levels, while Ayla Brown contributes 8.8 points and 5.5 assists per contest, orchestrating the offense and making everyone around her better. The Cougars need all four firing on all cylinders to advance.
Numbers Game
- Seeds: St. Cloud State enters as the No. 8 seed while USF is the No. 9 seed—this is as even a matchup as you'll find in tournament play.
- Ball Movement: St. Cloud State ranks first in the NSIC with 17.4 assists per game. USF must match their unselfishness and execution.
- Glass Battle: The Huskies hold a +4.0 rebounding margin and average 13.7 offensive rebounds per game. Finishing possessions will be critical.
- Series Split: USF and SCSU split the season series, with each team winning on its home floor. The rubber match decides who advances.
- Langager's Surge: Krista Langager shoots 60.7 percent from the field this season and has been named to the NSIC Shining 5 in back-to-back weeks. She's playing her best basketball.
- Vaaler vs. SCSU: Anna Vaaler averages 21.0 points and 11 rebounds per game against St. Cloud this year. She's been dominant in the matchup.
Coach's Corner
"This is a great opportunity for us to play a very good team in St. Cloud. We split with them during the regular season, so I hope we can go on the road and be tougher than we have been at times this season. We have all the respect in the world for St. Cloud and understand that we will have to play a very good game if we want to advance to the Pentagon."
- Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Inside the Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 25 vs St. Cloud State
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