Latest news with #MinnesotaCrookston
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USF women dominate Minnesota Crookston
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team delivered a commanding postseason performance, defeating Minnesota Crookston 81-69 in the opening round of the NSIC Tournament at the Stewart Center. With the victory, the Cougars (17-13) advance to the NSIC Quarterfinals, where they will face in-state rival Northern State. Both teams came out firing, trading baskets in a high-scoring opening frame. Minnesota Crookston shot an impressive 62.5% from the field, including 3-of-4 from three, to grab a narrow 23-22 lead after 10 minutes. The Cougars kept pace behind balanced scoring, with Anna Vaaler and Ayla Brown leading the early attack. Sioux Falls responded with a smothering defensive effort, holding UMC to just 11 points on 33.3% shooting in the second quarter. The Cougars seized control with a 21-11 scoring advantage, fueled by efficient shooting and dominant rebounding. USF entered halftime with a 43-34 lead. The Cougars broke the game open in the third, outscoring Minnesota Crookston 26-11 behind a blistering 57.1% shooting performance. Megan Fannin caught fire, drilling five threes, while Ayla Brown and Kami Wadsworth controlled the tempo. USF stretched its lead to as many as 26 points before heading into the final quarter up 69-45. Minnesota Crookston mounted a late rally, outscoring Sioux Falls 24-12 in the final frame, but the deficit proved too substantial to overcome. The Cougars maintained their composure down the stretch, securing the 81-69 victory and punching their ticket to the NSIC Quarterfinals. Sharp Shooting: USF connected on 45.9% from the field (28-of-61) and 38.5% from three (10-of-26). Free Throw Precision: The Cougars converted 15-of-18 (83.3%) from the charity stripe. Balanced Attack: Six different Cougars scored 7+ points, showcasing their impressive depth. Unselfish Play: USF consistently made the extra pass, resulting in 18 assists and numerous high-percentage shots. Megan Fannin: Led USF with 21 points, knocking down 6-of-9 from three to ignite the offense while also collecting 6 rebounds. Kami Wadsworth: Delivered 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, creating problems for defenders at all levels. Ayla Brown: Stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, orchestrating the team's offensive flow. Alexis Rose: Contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds, anchoring the defensive effort. Brecli Honner: Provided a crucial spark off the bench with 7 points on efficient 3-of-4 shooting. With the win, the Cougars advance to face in-state rival Northern State in the NSIC Tournament Quarterfinals. These two teams will square off on Sunday, March 2nd at 11:00am at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. For all NSIC WBB Tournament information, head over the 2025 NSIC Women's Basketball Tournament page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Traphagen's 300th win comes in style as Wadsworth's career night powers Cougars
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) – In a historic night for the program, the University of Sioux Falls women's basketball team dominated Minnesota Crookston on Senior Night with an 83-64 victory at the Stewart Center. The win was especially meaningful as head coach Travis Traphagen achieved his 300th career victory, powered by sophomore Kami Wadsworth's career-high 30-point performance. The Cougars (16-11, 12-8 NSIC) showcased their offensive prowess, shooting an impressive 51.0% from the field and connecting on nearly half their three-point attempts at 47.8% against the struggling Golden Eagles (7-20, 4-16 NSIC). The Cougars came out firing on all cylinders, demonstrating remarkable efficiency with an 81.8% shooting performance from the field. Their long-range shooting was particularly lethal, as they connected on 6-of-7 three-pointers (85.7%). The team's unselfish play was evident with eight assists on nine made field goals, with the dynamic duo of Wadsworth and Megan Fannin leading the perimeter assault. Their synchronized offensive attack helped build a 26-17 advantage heading into the second quarter. Despite a slight cooling in their shooting touch, the Cougars maintained control through stellar playmaking from floor general Ayla Brown. Their defensive intensity proved equally impressive, holding Minnesota Crookston to a mere 33.3% shooting. Behind Brecli Honner's impactful minutes, USF outpaced the Golden Eagles 16-13 in the period to establish a commanding 42-30 halftime lead. The Cougars unleashed another offensive barrage in the third, matching their first-quarter output with 26 points. Their precision at the free-throw line proved decisive, as they converted an exceptional 13-of-14 attempts (92.9%). Wadsworth's career night continued to unfold as she attacked relentlessly, dropping 17 in the third quarter alone. The Cougars pushed their advantage to 68-51 entering the final period. USF closed out their victory with poise, outscoring Minnesota Crookston 15-13 in the final frame. Their defensive effort remained steadfast throughout, forcing 14 total turnovers while limiting second-chance opportunities. As the final minutes ticked away, the celebration began for Traphagen's milestone victory, a fitting tribute to one of the program's most successful coaches. Shooting Efficiency: USF shot 51.0% (26-of-51) from the field and 47.8% (11-of-23) from three. Ball Movement: The Cougars dished out 19 assists, highlighting their unselfish play. Free Throw Success: USF capitalized at the line, knocking down 20-of-23 (87.0%). Turnover Battle: Forced 14 UMC turnovers, converting them into 25 points. Bench Contribution: The Cougar reserves combined for 20 points, providing depth and energy. Kami Wadsworth: Career-high 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting, adding 6 rebounds and 2 steals in a dominant performance. Ayla Brown: Stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, controlling the tempo all night. Megan Fannin: Scored 9 points on an efficient 3-of-4 from three, sparking the offense early. Alexis Rose: Provided a well-rounded effort with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. The Cougars head on the road to finish up the regular season, with matchups against Northern State and University of Mary. USF take on the Wolves Friday, Feb 21st at 5:30pm and the Marauders Saturday, Feb 22nd at 3:30pm! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
