MBK: Cougars Squeak By Falcons

Led by a career-high 23 points from sophomore Jack Ridgway (Brandon, S.D.) the University of Sioux Falls men’s basketball team (8-2 overall, 1-1 GPAC) defeated NCAA Division III University of Wisconsin-River Falls (2-3 overall) 77-74 Saturday evening in Sioux Falls. Ridgway hit seven of nine attempts from beyond the three point line. The Cougars, ranked No. 23 in the NAIA, have now won eight of their last nine contests.

It was a back and forth first half as neither team held a lead larger than six points. Free-throws by freshman David Maxwell (Parkston, S.D.) and Kelly Hubbard (Carson, Ca.) in the final minute tied the game at 37 going into halftime.

A quick start by the Falcons in the second half allowed them to grab their largest lead of the game at 52-43 with 14 minutes to play. Over the next 11 minutes the Cougars slowly chipped away at the deficit. Senior Thomas Frames (Los Angeles, Ca.) nailed a jumper with 1:19 to play to give USF a 72-71 lead, their first since 30-29 at the 4:54 mark of the first half.

Holding a 77-74 lead with four seconds to play, the Falcons’ Aaron Anderson made a crucial rebound for his team, but Frames stole the ball away which allowed the clock to expire and give USF the victory.

Frames and Maxwell added 13 points while Hubbard added another 11 points.

Next up for the Cougars is a trip to Sioux City, Iowa, to face GPAC rival Morningside College. Tip-off is set for Wednesday night, December 2, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

WBK:  USF Routs Presentation

In a non-conference tilt the University of Sioux Falls women’s basketball team (5-4 overall, 1-1 GPAC) defeated Presentation College (S.D.) (1-4) 65-42 Saturday afternoon in Sioux Falls.

Freshmen Abby Mendlik (Denison, Iowa) and Holli Aggen (Worthington, Minn.) led the Cougars with 13 and 12 points respectively while sophomore Elizabeth Hildreth (Norwalk, Iowa) added 11.

During the first half both teams struggled offensively which kept the game close. USF went into halftime with a 21-18 lead after only shooting 21% from the field.

USF more than doubled their shooting percentage in the second half (nearly 47%) to pull away from the Saints, taking a 44-24 scoring advantage in the second half.

Next up for the Cougar women is a trip to Sioux City, Iowa, to face GPAC rival and defending national champion Morningside College (6-4 overall, 6-4 GPAC). Tip-off is set for Wednesday night December 2 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Courtesy: Matt Stull, USF Sports Information