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USF Men's Basketball Weekend Preview
The University of Sioux Falls men's basketball team travels to Minot, N.D. for back to back games against Minot State University.
Follow the Cougars: Visit the "media" section of the USF men's basketball schedule for links to follow live stats, listen to the broadcast by KWSN or watch a live stream.
Quick Hits
The Series
Friday marks the first meeting between USF and Minot State in men's basketball.
Streaking
With last weekend's victories, USF has won seven straight and has yet to lose at home (9-0).
Winning Big
Not only have the Cougars been winning, but they have won big. Four of USF's last five victories have been by more than 20 points.
Up at Intermission
USF is 10-1 this season when heading into the locker room with a lead.
Help in the Post
Junior forward James Rader has emerged as a second legitimate offensive threat for USF in the post. His 16 points and 10 rebounds against BHSU marked the Cougars' third double-double this season and his third straight game in double-digit scoring.
Owning the Boards
With a +27 rebounding margin in their last two games, USF has won the battle on the boards in 10 of their last 11 outings. The Cougars are 10-5 this season when out-rebounding their opponent.
Defense Wins Games
The Cougars have displayed excellent defense as of late, holding two of their last 3 opponents to 30% shooting from the field and performances in the mid-teens (DSU-18%, BHSU-15%) from beyond the arc.
Experience off the Bench
After starting the first six games for the Cougars, junior guard A.J. Holland has taken on a new role as USF's sixth man. Holland has shown nothing but improvement since the change, and it shows up on the stat sheets. He currently leads the team in assists (37), and is second on the team in rebounds (4.3rpg).
Common Opponents
MSU's most recent competition was also SDSM&T and BHSU. The Beavers split the series, with a loss to SDSM&T and win over BHSU. USF defeated both the Hardrockers and the Yellow Jackets last weekend.
Coming Off Break
Like USF, MSU has an undesirable schedule this season as a result of being in transition from the NAIA to the NCAA DII. The Beavers matchup with the Cougars will be there first contest in nearly two weeks. They have not played since Jan. 14.
Coach Johnson
USF head coach Chris Johnson served as the Beavers' assistant coach from 2001-04. During his tenure he assisted MSU to a 52-39 record.
Last Three Out
MSU has won two of their last three games.
Home Sweet Home
The Beavers have hosted just two teams this season at the Minot Dome, where they are 1-1.
What can Brown do for you?
Derek Brown has continued to show growth and consistency this season and following last weekend's games, he has scored in double-digits in eight of his last nine games. Brown is second on the team in scoring with 11.2 points per contest.
Back on the Road
After playing seven straight at home, USF will compete in their first road game since Dec.16, when they nearly upset D-I Wyoming. The Cougars are 1-6 on the road this season.
Up Next
USF heads to Madison, S.D. (Feb.4) for a second meeting with Dakota State University this season. Tip-off is set for 7:30p.m.
Double-Double
Through the first 17 games of the 2011-12 season, Skyler Bloch and James Rader have accounted for the teams only double-doubles. Bloch's came at Bemidji (11/20) and against UW-River Falls (12/31), while Rader recorded his Saturday (1/21) against BHSU.
