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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men’s Basketball team came agonizingly close on Thursday night but fell 98–95 to Minnesota State at the Taylor Center in an absolute shootout. The Cougars matched the Mavericks punch for punch over 40 minutes of back-and-forth basketball, but a late surge from MSU and timely perimeter shooting […]

Game Summary

Sioux Falls delivered one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season, shooting 50.7 percent from the field and a near-perfect 85.7 percent at the free-throw line. The Cougars executed, attacked the rim, and made their free throws when it mattered. But Minnesota State’s advantage from beyond the arc ultimately tilted the outcome.

The Mavericks connected on 13 three-pointers compared to USF’s seven, accounting for an 18-point swing that proved to be the difference in a game decided by just three points.

Brogan Madson and Brandon Hrncir powered the Cougar attack, combining for 50 points while consistently getting downhill, drawing contact, and punishing the Mavericks at the free-throw line. Gerard Bosch added a dominant double-double—17 points and 14 rebounds—giving USF a physical presence inside and controlling the paint. The Cougars attacked relentlessly, matched MSU in most hustle categories, and limited second-chance opportunities.

But Minnesota State’s shot-making late—particularly from three—sealed the decision and handed USF a heartbreaking three-point loss.

How It Happened

First Half

The opening 20 minutes were played at an absolutely blistering pace, with both teams trading runs and shooting at an elite level. This was offensive basketball at its finest—fast breaks, open looks, and scoreboard operators working overtime.

Sioux Falls went 19-for-35 from the field and knocked down six three-pointers while establishing a dominant inside presence with a 26–10 advantage in paint points. Brandon Hrncir was unstoppable early, leading the Cougars with 17 first-half points. Brogan Madson added 12 points and three assists, orchestrating the offense and keeping USF in control.

After falling behind by 16 points early, the Cougars stormed back with a 9–0 run to erase the deficit and seize momentum. Minnesota State kept pace behind scorching perimeter shooting, going 8-for-14 from three and finishing the half shooting 50 percent overall. The Mavericks wouldn’t go away, answering every USF run with timely buckets of their own.

The Cougars carried a narrow 52–50 lead into the locker room in what was already shaping up to be a classic offensive battle.

Second Half

The scoring pace remained high after the break, though the Cougars cooled significantly from deep, hitting just one three-pointer in the entire second half. That cold stretch from beyond the arc proved costly, as Minnesota State continued to drain threes and stretch the floor.

But Sioux Falls refused to fold. The Cougars continued to score efficiently inside the arc and at the free-throw line, finishing a near-perfect 24-of-28 at the stripe. They attacked the paint, drew fouls, and made Minnesota State pay. Brogan Madson took over offensively in the second half, scoring 15 of his 27 points after the break, including eight clutch free throws. Gerard Bosch added 10 points and eight rebounds in the half, battling inside and keeping USF within striking distance throughout.

Every time the Cougars made a push, Minnesota State answered with timely three-point shooting and consistent execution. The lead changed hands. The game stayed tight. The tension mounted.

Ultimately, Minnesota State edged the Cougars 48–43 in the second half, converting key shots late—particularly from three—to escape with the 98–95 victory. The Mavericks hit their shots when it mattered most, and the Cougars came up just short in a game they had every chance to win.

Key Cougars

Brogan Madson – 27 points, 4 rebounds (7-13 FG, 10-13 FT)
Brandon Hrncir – 23 points (7-15 FG, 8-8 FT)
Gerard Bosch – 17 points, 14 rebounds (7-10 FG)

Key Team Stats

Perimeter Shooting: MSU hit 13-of-25 from three (52 percent), compared to USF’s 7-of-21 (33.3 percent). That 18-point swing from beyond the arc was the difference.
Free Throws: USF shot 85.7 percent (24-28) at the line, keeping the Cougars within striking distance late and executing when it mattered.
Balance: The game featured 11 ties and 11 lead changes, with neither team able to separate until the final minutes. This was a battle.
Efficiency: USF shot over 50 percent from the field, but MSU’s second-half shot-making from three proved to be the difference.

Coach’s Corner

“You can’t win in this league getting down 20-4 to start and giving up 98 points in a game. We played plenty well enough on offense but couldn’t get a stop all night.”
– Head Coach Chris Johnson