SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECAP

A dominant offensive performance led the Sioux Falls Cougars to a convincing 96-73 win against Minot State Beavers at the Stewart Center, bringing their record to 8-8 (4-5 NSIC) while the Beavers fell to 4-12 (3-6 NSIC). The game featured an outstanding shooting display from Megan Fannin, who poured in 29 points including a remarkable 9-of-12 shooting from three-point range.

1st Quarter

The Cougars established their presence early with sharp perimeter shooting. Anna Vaaler opened the scoring with a crafty layup, followed by an Alexis Rose three-pointer that energized the crowd. Fannin then found her rhythm, connecting on her first three-pointer just before the media timeout.

Coming out of the break, Fannin caught fire, draining back-to-back threes to push the Cougars ahead 14-9. Though the Beavers fought back to tie the game, Aby Phipps’ decisive layup gave USF an 18-16 edge heading into the second quarter.

2nd Quarter

The second quarter was a battle between these two teams, trading baskets the entire quarter. Ayla Brown converted a big time and-one early in the period. Vaaler connected on a jumper and Kami Wadsworth continued her hot streak at the free throw line. The Beavers pulled ahead 30-26, but a Fannin layup and a Rose three allowed them to regain the lead. Cougar free throws and another Rose layup kept them ahead going into halftime with a 38-35 lead.

3rd Quarter

USF caught fire in the third, overwhelming the Beavers 29-19 behind exceptional shooting. Fannin put on a show, hitting 3 three-pointers in a two minute stretch, sending the fans to their feet. Rose also drilled a pair from long range and combined with Wadsworth’s free throws, the Cougars pulled ahead 67-54 by the end of the third.

4th Quarter

The Cougars closed out strong with another 29-point quarter to seal the victory. The Rose-Fannin duo continued their offensive onslaught with a mix of three-pointers and drives to the basket. USF’s bench maintained the high level of play, contributing meaningful minutes and points throughout the final period. Defensively, Sioux Falls remained relentless, challenging shooters and controlling the rebounds. The home crowd’s energy surged as the lead ballooned to 25 points late in the contest. The Cougars closed out the comprehensive 96-73 victory with confidence and poise.

Key Team Stats

• Field Goal Percentage: USF shot an efficient 49.2% from the field, outpacing Minot’s 41.9%. 

• Three-Point Shooting: The Cougars drained 16 three-pointers on 51.6% shooting, a standout team effort. 

• Rebounding Battle: Sioux Falls controlled the glass, holding a 36-29 rebounding advantage. 

• Bench Contribution: USF’s depth shone, with the bench outscoring Minot’s 61-13. 

• Turnovers: The Cougars turned Minot’s 10 turnovers into 13 crucial points. 

Key Coo

• Megan Fannin: Led all scorers with 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 9-of-12 from three-point range. 

• Alexis Rose: Recorded an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding 4 assists and 4-of-6 shooting from deep. 

• Kami Wadsworth: Contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while shooting 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. 

• Ayla Brown: Finished with 7 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals in 35 minutes as the team’s floor general. 

Up Next

The Cougars come back tomorrow afternoon to take on the MSU-Moorhead Dragons in a clash at the Stewart Center at 3:30pm.

MEN’S BASKETBALL RECAP

The Sioux Falls Cougars (8-7, 4-5 NSIC) orchestrated a stunning upset over the previously undefeated #4 Minot State Beavers (17-1, 8-1 NSIC), dominating their way to an 85-61 victory at the Stewart Center. The dynamic duo of Taylen Ashleyand Noah Puetzcombined for 47 points while the Cougars’ suffocating defense stifled the Beavers throughout the contest.

1st Half

The Cougars immediately established their presence when Noah Puetz drilled a three-pointer following the opening tip, energizing the home crowd. Shawn Warrior followed with a strong drive to the basket, and Taylen Ashley added a smooth corner jumper. Creighton Morisch’s all-around play – distributing, protecting the rim, and cleaning the glass – helped USF build a quick 14-6 advantage.

Though Minot State mounted a 7-0 run midway through the half, the Cougars maintained their composure. Warrior’s tenacious effort led to a crucial offensive rebound and putback that halted the Beavers’ momentum. The Cougars’ defensive intensity forced Minot into difficult shots and disrupted their interior game.

USF’s balanced attack continued to flourish as the half progressed. Morisch’s versatile play complemented Puetz’s sharp shooting, including another three from the wing that extended the lead to 29-24. Ashley’s aggressive drives drew multiple fouls, helping the Cougars weather a late Beaver push and enter halftime leading 36-31.

2nd Half

The Cougars emerged from the break with renewed intensity, transforming the game into a statement victory. A decisive 13-0 run, sparked by Puetz’s offensive rebound and three-point play, broke the game open. Warrior dominated the paint with multiple baskets, and Ashley punctuated the surge with an explosive finish at the rim, pushing USF ahead 62-45.

Defensive excellence defined the second half for Sioux Falls. The Cougars completely neutralized Minot’s perimeter attack, holding them without a three-pointer on 11 attempts. Warrior and Morisch anchored the interior defense, challenging shots and disrupting the Beavers’ offensive rhythm.

USF’s offensive execution remained sharp as they controlled the tempo. Ashley continued his aggressive play, earning trips to the free-throw line, while Puetz showcased his scoring arsenal with another triple and a crafty floater.

Minot’s frustration mounted against USF’s relentless defense. The Cougars dominated the boards (41-28) and converted Beaver turnovers into transition opportunities. The bench sealed the victory with steady play in the closing minutes as Sioux Falls outscored Minot 49-30 in the decisive second half.

Key Team Stats

• Field Goal Percentage: USF shot an efficient 45.7% from the floor, while Minot managed just 33.3%. 

• Three-Point Defense: Sioux Falls held Minot to 20% shooting from beyond the arc (4-of-20). 

• Points in the Paint: The Cougars overpowered the Beavers 48-24 inside the lane. 

• Rebounding Battle: USF dominated the glass with a 41-28 advantage, including 13 offensive rebounds. 

• Second-Half Surge: The Cougars erupted for 49 points in the second half while holding Minot to just 30. 

Key Coo

• Taylen Ashley: Exploded for 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting, adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists. 

• Noah Puetz: Led all scorers with 24 points, hitting 3-of-8 from deep, while contributing 5 rebounds. 

• Shawn Warrior: Delivered a double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals. 

• Creighton Morisch: Contributed 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. 

Up Next

The Cougars will stay on their home court for tomorrow night’s game, facing off against the MSU-Moorhead Dragons at 5:30 PM in the Stewart Center.

Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.