By james art 
BEMIDJI, MINN. (USF) — The Sioux Falls Cougars (11-9, 7-7 NSIC) fell to the Bemidji State Beavers (7-13, 4-10 NSIC) by a final score of 76-68. The Coo struggled to contain the Beavers in the second half. Tylen Ashley led Sioux Falls with 18 points.
1st half
The match began as a defensive battle for both teams, with neither side able to establish a significant lead. Sioux Falls and Bemidji State traded leads 8 times and were tied 5 times at halftime. Tylen Ashley and Creighton Morrish led Sioux Falls by 9 points at halftime, with Kenji scales providing a spark off the bench, contributing 7 points. Sioux Falls took advantage of the fast break opportunities, scoring 8 points in transition. The Cougars defense was also effective, forcing 7 turnovers and turning them into 7 points. By halftime, Sioux Falls held a slim 34-31 lead, shooting 37.5 percent from the field compared to Bemidji State’s 36.7 percent.
2nd half
In the second half, Bemidji State’s efficiency proved to be too much for Sioux Falls to handle. The Beavers extended their lead to as many as 13 points thanks to a strong performance and a balanced attack. Sioux Falls had better success from beyond the arc, making 6 3-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Bemidji State’s offensive might. The Cougars struggled to hold the Beavers to 53.6 percent shooting from the field in the second half. Despite a late comeback attempt, Sioux Falls fell short, being outshot 45-34 in the second half. The Cougars’ shooting percentage fell to 28.9 percent and they failed to capitalize on several key possessions down the stretch.
Key team stats
- Field goal percentage: Sioux Falls shot 32.9 percent (23-70), while Bemidji State shot 44.8 percent (26-58). Bemidji State’s higher shooting percentage was a key factor in their victory.
- Three point success: Sioux Falls hit 29.0 percent (9-31) of its 3-pointers compared to Bemidji State’s 43.5 percent (10-23). Despite improving their three-point shooting in the second half, Sioux Falls was unable to match Bemidji State’s persistence.
- Free throws: Both teams were efficient from the free throw line, with Sioux Falls making 76.5 percent (13-17).
- Fast break points: Sioux Falls excelled in transition, scoring 24 fast-break points compared to Bemidji State’s 4.
Key Co
- Tylen Ashley: Led the team with 18 points and added three rebounds and two assists.
- Kenji scales: Contributed 16 points, including 4 3-pointers, providing a crucial spark off the bench.
- Creighton Morrish: Recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the paint and providing a strong interior presence.
Next up
The Cougars have an exciting weekend that starts with visiting Wayne State on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. They will then return home to face #23 Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday at 3:30pm at the Stewart Center.