Sioux Falls opened its season with a 63–60 road win over Nebraska-Kearney, rallying from a two-point halftime deficit with a decisive third-quarter run and strong defensive pressure. Anna Vaaler scored 23 points, while Kami Wadsworth and Alexis Rose added 15 apiece. Wadsworth also reached 1,000 career points.

By the Numbers
  • Sioux Falls forced 22 turnovers and scored 27 points off them.
  • The Cougars outscored Nebraska-Kearney 21–12 in the third quarter.
  • Vaaler, Wadsworth and Rose combined for 53 of Sioux Falls’ 63 points.
  • Nebraska-Kearney made 1 of 10 three-point attempts.
Yes, But

The Cougars overcame being outrebounded 37–33 and outscored 42–30 in the paint, but Nebraska-Kearney’s fourth-quarter push made the finish tight. Sioux Falls held on by forcing late turnovers and hitting timely shots.

What's Next

Sioux Falls continues nonconference play against South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on Nov. 20 and 21.

Bottom Line

The season opener showed Sioux Falls can win on the road by turning defensive pressure into offense—even when the rebounding and paint battles go against it.