SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team saw its comeback bid fall short on Saturday afternoon, dropping a 72–56 decision to St. Cloud State inside Halenbeck Hall. Early turnover trouble and a dominant first half from the Huskies proved too much to overcome, as USF was unable to fully recover despite improved efficiency and fight after halftime.
Game Summary
St. Cloud State set the tone defensively from the opening tip, forcing nine first-quarter turnovers and limiting the Cougars to just eight points in the opening frame. The pressure was relentless. The mistakes were costly. And the early deficit became a mountain too steep to climb.
While the Huskies weren't overly efficient shooting early, extra possessions, timely three-point shooting, and points off turnovers allowed SCSU to build an early cushion that carried into halftime and proved insurmountable.
USF showed more poise offensively in the second half, shooting better from the floor and generating second-chance opportunities while fighting to claw back into the game. Anna Vaaler delivered with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Krista Langager and Ayla Brown provided steady contributions despite foul trouble and defensive pressure.
But St. Cloud State's crisp ball movement, perimeter scoring, and defensive discipline kept the Cougars from making a sustained run. Every time USF made a push, the Huskies had an answer—particularly from senior guard Jada Eggebrecht, who torched the Cougars for 27 points.
How It Happened
First Quarter
St. Cloud State's pressure defense disrupted USF's rhythm immediately, forcing nine turnovers in the opening quarter alone. The Cougars couldn't get into any offensive flow, managing just 8 points on limited shot attempts while battling constant defensive pressure.
The Huskies capitalized on every mistake, using offensive rebounds, two three-pointers, and five free throws to build a commanding 19–8 advantage. By the end of the first quarter, USF was already in a deep hole and scrambling to find answers.
Second Quarter
USF became more aggressive attacking the basket in the second quarter and earned 12 free-throw attempts, showing more fight and determination. But turnovers continued to plague the Cougars, preventing any sustained offensive rhythm.
Meanwhile, St. Cloud State found its offensive groove behind senior guard Jada Eggebrecht, who caught fire and knocked down three triples while scoring 11 points in the period. The Huskies were clicking on all cylinders, moving the ball beautifully and finding open shooters.
By halftime, SCSU had extended their lead to 43–26, and the Cougars faced a 17-point deficit heading into the locker room.
Third Quarter
The Cougars came out of halftime with a tightened defensive intensity. USF began winning the effort areas, forcing five turnovers and holding St. Cloud State scoreless from beyond the arc in the quarter.
USF capitalized on second-chance opportunities and edged the quarter 15–14, showing they weren't going to fold. But despite the improved play, the Cougars still faced a daunting 57–41 deficit heading into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter
USF shot efficiently in the final quarter, connecting on more than half of its attempts and continuing to battle. Anna Vaaler kept attacking, and the Cougars refused to quit. But St. Cloud State answered every push with composure and execution.
The Huskies matched the Cougars point-for-point down the stretch, using timely three-point shooting and crisp ball movement to maintain control. SCSU closed out the 72–56 victory in Halenbeck Hall.
Key Team Stats
- Turnovers: USF committed 24 turnovers, which led directly to 23 St. Cloud State points. Taking care of the ball was the difference early.
- Ball Movement: SCSU recorded 23 assists on 28 made field goals, consistently creating quality looks and moving the ball with precision.
- Three-Point Shooting: USF finished 2-for-10 from deep, while SCSU went 7-for-19. The perimeter gap proved costly.
- Individual Impact: Jada Eggebrecht led all scorers with 27 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including a blistering 6-for-7 from three. She was unstoppable.
Key Cougars
Coach's Corner
"Credit goes to St. Cloud. Way too many turnovers for us to be able to compete in this game. They were tougher and more disciplined than us and all the credit goes to them."
- Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Up Next
The Cougars return home for a Thursday–Saturday NSIC slate, hosting Concordia-St. Paul on Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. (Healthcare Appreciation Night) before welcoming Winona State on Saturday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. inside the Stewart Center.
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