Rose erupts for 30 as USF rolls to 100-point night

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls Women’s Basketball team delivered one of its most complete offensive performances in recent history on Friday night, obliterating Minnesota Crookston 100–64 inside the Stewart Center. The Cougars eclipsed the 100-point mark for the first time since the 2019–20 season and knocked down a season-high 15 three-pointers, controlling the game from the opening tip and never—not once—trailing.

USF set the tone early with a blistering first half and maintained that rhythm throughout, showcasing beautiful ball movement, offensive balance, and ruthless efficiency. Five Cougars scored in double figures, and the Stewart Center faithful witnessed basketball at its finest.

Game Summary

The Cougars were absolutely unstoppable offensively, shooting over 50 percent from the field and a scorching 53.6 percent from three-point range for the game. USF poured in 62 first-half points to seize control early, then continued to share the ball like a championship team, finishing with 21 assists against just 11 turnovers.

Defensive pressure also played a crucial role. The Cougars forced 17 Minnesota Crookston turnovers and converted them into 19 points, turning defense into easy offense and keeping the Golden Eagles on their heels all night.

Alexis Rose was sensational, torching Crookston for a career-high 30 points. Anna Vaaler and Krista Langager both recorded double-doubles, dominating on both ends. Ayla Brown orchestrated the offense like a maestro with nine assists, and Rease Murtaugh added a strong all-around effort. USF built a commanding lead and never let up, cruising to the 100-64 victory and snapping the losing streak in emphatic fashion.

How It Happened

First Quarter

USF came out firing like they’d been shot out of a cannon, scoring 33 points in the opening quarter on a blistering 13-of-18 shooting. Alexis Rose was absolutely electric, scoring 16 points on a perfect 6-for-6 effort from the floor and 4-for-4 from three-point range. She couldn’t miss.

As a team, the Cougars hit seven triples in the quarter and forced six Minnesota Crookston turnovers. Ayla Brown set the tempo with seven points, five assists, and three steals, pushing the pace and creating chaos. By the end of the first quarter, USF had raced out to a commanding 33–15 lead.

Second Quarter

The offensive surge continued in the second quarter as USF went 9-for-14 from the field and knocked down five more threes. The ball was flying around, the shots were falling, and the crowd was on its feet. Anna Vaaler added eight points and three rebounds, Alexis Rose scored seven more, and Rease Murtaugh connected on two triples.

USF’s defense clamped down as well, holding the Golden Eagles to just 33.3 percent shooting in the period. By halftime, the Cougars had extended the lead to an absurd 62–29. Crookston was reeling. But USF wasn’t done.

Third Quarter

With a sizeable lead, the Cougars stayed composed and continued to build on their advantage. USF outscored Minnesota Crookston 17–16 in the quarter, with Rose adding seven more points and Vaaler controlling the glass with seven rebounds. The lead remained comfortable at 79–45 heading into the fourth quarter, and the Stewart Center was already celebrating.

Fourth Quarter

USF coasted home in the final period while still playing efficient, crisp basketball, shooting 9-for-16 from the field. The Cougars built their largest lead of the night—40 points—with 6:50 remaining, and the century mark came into view. Vaaler scored six in the quarter, while Brooklyn Harpe provided a spark with five points in limited action.

When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 100–64.

Key Team Stats

• Offensive Explosion: USF scored 62 points in the first half alone and finished with 100 points for the first time since the 2019–20 season. The offense was clicking on all cylinders.
• Three-Point Shooting: The Cougars knocked down a season-high 15 three-pointers, shooting an absurd 53.6 percent from deep. When they got open looks, they buried them.
• Ball Movement: USF recorded 21 assists while committing just 11 turnovers. 
• Defense into Offense: The Cougars forced 17 turnovers and scored 19 points off those opportunities, turning defense into easy baskets.
• Wire-to-Wire: USF led for the entire game and never trailed. Not once. Complete control from start to finish.

Key Cougars

• Alexis Rose – Career-high 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting, 6-of-11 from three, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
• Anna Vaaler – 24 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Ayla Brown – 14 points, 9 assists, 4 steals
• Krista Langager – 13 points, 10 rebounds
• Rease Murtaugh – 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists

Coach’s Corner

“It was fun to see the basketball going in the hole tonight. Lexi was on a heater, and to have five people in double figures was awesome. Having 21 assists was huge for us. I think that’s a big key for us moving forward.”
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen

Up Next

The Cougars return to action on Saturday, January 24, hosting MSU Moorhead at 3:00 p.m. inside the Stewart Center. The matchup doubles as Alumni Night, and USF basketball alumni are encouraged to RSVP here to claim complimentary tickets and to get recognized at the games.

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