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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls Cougars saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end Friday night at the Stewart Center, falling 85–78 to Minnesota Crookston in a physical NSIC matchup that shifted late. Despite controlling the paint and dominating the glass for much of the night, timely shooting and clutch […]

Game Summary

Sioux Falls built its game plan around interior scoring and extra possessions, and for the most part, it worked. The Cougars outscored Crookston 46–30 in the paint while grabbing 15 offensive rebounds that turned into 21 second-chance points. USF also won the rebounding battle 46–35 and generated consistent pressure at the rim, controlling the physical areas of the floor.

But the perimeter was a different story. The Cougars struggled mightily to find rhythm from beyond the arc, finishing a frigid 3-of-21 from three-point range. That lack of outside shooting allowed Crookston to pack the paint defensively and make life difficult, even as USF continued to pound the ball inside.

Crookston countered with perimeter efficiency and poise when it mattered most. The Golden Eagles hit 10-of-26 from deep and converted a near-perfect 17-of-20 from the free-throw line for the game. While USF worked to the line 31 times, missed opportunities in the closing minutes—combined with Crookston’s ice-cold execution at the stripe—allowed the visitors to maintain control and seal the upset.

Five Cougars reached double figures with balanced production across the lineup, but Crookston’s shot-making and execution in key moments ultimately snapped Sioux Falls’ winning streak at eight.

How It Happened

First Half

The opening half was tightly contested, with Sioux Falls establishing early control in the paint. The Cougars scored 30 points inside and dominated the glass, holding a commanding 27–17 rebounding edge while collecting nine offensive boards that produced 12 second-chance points. The effort was there. The physicality was there. The work on the boards was relentless.

Defensively, USF played solid basketball, limiting Crookston to just 38.9 percent shooting overall. But the Golden Eagles stayed close by knocking down six first-half threes, finding open looks on the perimeter as the Cougars packed the paint.

USF’s biggest challenge came from long range. The Cougars went just 1-of-12 from three in the half, struggling to find any rhythm from the outside. Still, interior efficiency and rebounding kept Sioux Falls in front, and they carried a narrow 40–39 lead into halftime. Brandon Hrncir anchored the effort with nine points and 10 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes, doing the dirty work inside.

Second Half

The second half turned into a physical, grinding battle, with both teams trading baskets and momentum swings. Sioux Falls continued to attack the paint, adding 16 more points inside and drawing 20 free-throw attempts. They converted 14 of them, but missed opportunities at the line late proved costly as the margin tightened and every possession became critical.

Crookston elevated its efficiency after the break, shooting 15-of-29 from the field and capitalizing on momentum-swinging plays, including multiple and-ones that energized their bench and deflated the Stewart Center crowd. The Golden Eagles were nearly perfect at the stripe down the stretch, going 12-of-13 in the second half to close out the game with composure and precision.

Despite USF’s continued work on the glass and inside, Crookston’s shot-making late—and their ability to knock down free throws when it mattered—sealed the 85–78 result and handed the Cougars their first loss in nine games.

Coach’s Corner

“Crookston deserved to win. They played harder and executed better than we did. We have a quick turnaround. We have to be ready for a good Moorhead team.”
— Head Coach Chris Johnson

Key Coo

Taylen Ashley – 17 points, 4 rebounds
Brandon Hrncir – 14 points, 13 rebounds (4 offensive), 2 blocks
Brogan Madson – 14 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
Gerard Bosch – 11 points, 11 rebounds

Key Team Stats

Paint Points: USF outscored Crookston 46–30 inside but couldn’t balance it with perimeter shooting. The lack of outside threat allowed the Golden Eagles to clog the lane.
Rebounding: The Cougars won the battle 46–35 and grabbed 15 offensive boards leading to 21 second-chance points. They controlled the glass but couldn’t capitalize enough.
Three-Point Shooting: USF went 3-of-21 (.143) from deep, while Crookston hit 10-of-26. The perimeter disparity was the difference.
Free Throws: Crookston finished a near-perfect 17-of-20 at the line; USF went 21-of-31. Those missed free throws in crunch time proved costly.