By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball team heads back on the road this week for a pair of marquee NSIC matchups, traveling to Mankato to face Minnesota State on Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. before continuing north to St. Cloud for a Saturday showdown against (RV) St. Cloud State on February 7 at 4:00 p.m.
USF will be tested by two of the league's hottest teams in some of the toughest environments in Division II basketball. Minnesota State enters the week riding an eight-game winning streak and defending its home floor with authority, while St. Cloud State sits atop the NSIC standings, remains unbeaten inside Hallenbeck Hall, and is riding a 10-game winning streak of its own. The Cougars will look to build on their recent defensive progress while continuing to rely on one of the conference's most potent offenses to compete in hostile territory.
Scouting Minnesota State (15–9, 9–7 NSIC)
Minnesota State enters Thursday's contest as one of the hottest teams in the conference, riding an eight-game winning streak and boasting a dominant 7–3 record inside the Taylor Center. The Mavericks are led by legendary head coach Matt Margenthaler, now in his 25th season at the helm and having eclipsed 500 career wins while building one of the most consistent and respected programs in NCAA Division II.
The Mavericks average 77.9 ppg while allowing just 72.6, giving them a solid +5.3 scoring margin that ranks fourth in the NSIC. Defensively, Minnesota State excels at limiting perimeter efficiency, holding opponents to just 33.3 percent shooting from three—the third-best mark in the league. They're also strong on the glass with a +4.0 rebounding margin and take care of the basketball, committing just 10.3 turnovers per game. They don't beat themselves.
Inside, Malcolm Jones anchors the Mavericks with 12.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 56.6 percent from the field—a physical presence who controls the paint and can be a nightmare in pick and roll situations. Traijan Sain adds 12.7 ppg, providing steady scoring. Arhman Lewis provides a dynamic perimeter presence with 11.6 ppg and a team-best 5.3 assists, ranking second in the NSIC and running the offense with precision. Caden Kirkman supplies another interior option at 11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Colton Benson helps space the floor by shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc.
Scouting St. Cloud State (17–5, 14–2 NSIC)
St. Cloud State enters the weekend sitting atop the NSIC standings and riding a 10-game winning streak that has separated them from the pack. The Huskies are perfect at home this season with a 10–0 record inside Hallenbeck Hall and have not lost since the weekend prior to Christmas break.
But here's the kicker: USF handed St. Cloud one of those pre-Christmas losses with an 82–77 victory in Sioux Falls earlier this season. The Cougars proved they can beat the Huskies. Now they need to prove they can do it again—this time on the road in one of the toughest environments in the conference.
Offensively, the Huskies are steady rather than explosive, averaging 76.4 ppg, but they separate themselves on the defensive end. St. Cloud State leads the NSIC in scoring defense at just 66.9 ppg allowed and owns the league's best scoring margin at +9.5. They hold opponents to a conference-best 40.0 percent shooting from the field and an NSIC-low 28.2 percent from three, while dominating the glass with 42 rebounds per game and a league-leading +7.2 rebounding margin.
This is a team that suffocates opponents, controls tempo, and grinds out victories through relentless defensive pressure.
Luke Winkel leads the Huskies at 19.9 ppg, ranking fourth in the NSIC, while also contributing 3.9 assists and shooting 36.4 percent from three. He's the offensive engine. Bob Griechen adds 12.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, providing steady production. Wyatt Hawks is a major interior presence with 11.3 points, an NSIC-leading 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per contest—he owns the paint. Nate Dahl, Anish Ramlall, and Lee Marks III round out a deep, balanced rotation that consistently wears teams down over 40 minutes.
St. Cloud is the team to beat in the NSIC, and Saturday will prove whether USF can do it twice.
Cougar Spotlight (12–10, 9–7 NSIC)
The Cougars enter the week at 12–10 overall and 9–7 in conference play, having emerged as one of the league's most dangerous teams since the holiday break. While recent losses to Minnesota Crookston and Jamestown slowed their momentum slightly, USF continues to play some of its best basketball of the season—particularly on the defensive end, an area of emphasis under head coach Chris Johnson.
Offensively, USF leads the NSIC at 84.7 ppg and continues to pressure defenses with pace, spacing, and relentless aggressiveness. The Cougars lead the conference in free throws attempted and offensive rebounds, averaging 14.0 offensive boards per contest, while ranking second in rebounding margin at +6.5. USF also moves the ball beautifully, sitting second in the NSIC with 15.2 assists per game. When the offense clicks, they're nearly impossible to stop.
Brogan Madson leads the Cougars at 18.1 ppg on 46.3 percent shooting and continues to live at the free-throw line with 107 makes on the season, while also pacing the team in assists and steals. He's the offensive catalyst. Taylen Ashley adds 15.7 ppg in the backcourt, bringing athleticism and scoring punch. Brandon Hrncir provides efficiency inside with 13.9 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per contest, controlling the paint. Kyle Ingwerson stretches the floor with 57 made threes at a 40 percent clip and adds 5.0 rebounds per game, making defenses pay for sagging off. Jacoby Mehrman continues to impact winning with timely scoring, rebounding, and defensive positioning.
This team has the firepower to compete with anyone. Now they need to prove it on the road against two of the league's best.
Numbers Game
- Offensive Firepower: The Cougars lead the NSIC at 84.7 ppg, consistently applying pressure through pace, spacing, and volume.
- Extra Possessions: USF ranks first in the league in offensive rebounds at 14.0 per game, creating second-chance opportunities that wear opponents down.
- Hot Streak: The Mavericks enter on an eight-game winning streak and own a +5.3 scoring margin. They're playing their best basketball of the season.
- Perimeter Defense: Minnesota State holds opponents to 33.3 percent from three, third-best in the NSIC. They make teams work for every shot.
- Lockdown Huskies: St. Cloud allows just 66.9 ppg, best in the conference. They suffocate opponents with elite defensive pressure.
- Glass Control: The Huskies lead the NSIC with a +7.2 rebounding margin, controlling possessions and limiting second chances.
Coach's Corner
"This will be a tough weekend on the road. Both teams are playing great and are on long winning streaks. We will really need to play well to have a chance at success."
- Head Coach Chris Johnson
Inside the Gym
Thursday, Feb. 5 at Minnesota State
Saturday, Feb. 7 at St. Cloud State
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