The USF Cougars are gearing up for a challenging weekend, facing Wayne State and Southwest Minnesota State in back-to-back games. Wayne State comes in with a record of 4-5, emphasizing defensive prowess and balanced scoring. The following day, the Cougars meet the Mustangs, who are currently 9-2 and boast one of the NSIC’s highest-scoring offenses, averaging 84.8 points per game. With both opponents presenting unique challenges, the Cougars must execute on both ends of the court to secure victories.

By the Numbers
  • Wayne State leads the NSIC in blocks and ranks third in three-point shooting.
  • Southwest Minnesota State scores an average of 84.8 points per game, the second-highest in the NSIC.
Yes, But

Despite their overall balance, the Cougars face a significant challenge against teams with strong individual players like Bri Stoltzman and Kylah vanDonkersgoed, who can shift the momentum of the game single-handedly.

State of Play
  • The Cougars currently hold a 6-6 overall record and rank among the top five in various NSIC statistical categories.
  • USF’s offense is anchored by Kami Wadsworth and Ayla Brown, creating a dynamic scoring threat.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Cougars need to build on their strengths and adapt to the defensive strategies of Wayne State and the offensive pressure from SMSU to enhance their postseason positioning.

Bottom Line

The Cougars must prioritize defensive stops and effective rebounding while leveraging their scoring capabilities to rise to the occasion against tough NSIC opponents this weekend.