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USF Men's Basketball Weekend Preview
The University of Sioux Falls men's basketball fell to Dakota State last Saturday to snap a nine-game win streak. The Cougars hope to get back to their winnining ways this weekend when they pay visits to in-state rivals, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Friday and Black Hills State University Saturday.
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
USF and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology have met in each of the last two seasons, with the Cougars coming out on top in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 season. Last month, USF picked up their third consecutive win over the Hardrockers when they defeated the Hardrockers 85-65 in Sioux Falls, S.D. (box score on page 4).
USF has also claimed the last three victories in the Black Hills State, USF series, winning in 2002, 2006 and most recently in January of 2012. BHSU's last win came in Rapid City, S.D. in November of 2001 (this season's box score page 5).
Rebounding the Difference?
Prior to USF's loss at Dakota State University Saturday, which ended a nine-game win streak, the Cougars had won the battle on the glass 13 games in a row, a span that consisted of 11 wins and two losses. It is safe to say the rebounding advantage or disadvantage has a significant outcome on a game. USF is 12-5 this season when they outrebound the competition and 0-3 when outrebouned.
Quick Hands
Speed cannot be taught, fortunately, A.J. Holland was born with it. He has put his quick hand-eye coordination on display for fans on both sides of the floor, dishing out 19 assists while swiping nine steals in the last four games alone. He currently leads the team in both categories with 61 assists and 27 steals, respectively.
On the Bloch
Senior forward Skyler Bloch has been USF's most consistent player on offense all season long, but his last three outings have been especially impressive. With 24 points and 10 rebounds against Dakota State, Bloch recorded his third consecutive 20-point game and his third contest with nine or more rebounds over the last four games. He enters the weekend with eight 20-point games this season and a five game double-digit scoring streak on the line.
State Supremacy
USF has defeated three universities located in South Dakota, including S.D. School of Mines & Technology and Black Hills State, however with the loss at Dakota State, the Cougars sit at 3-2 vs. in-state opponents this season.
Streaking
After dropping three straight, including their loss to USF, the Hardrockers have rallied off four straight.
Analyzing the Competition
SDSM&T's two losses during their six-game stretch came against USF common opponents in Dakota State and Black Hills State. The Cougars split their series with Dakota State (1-1) and defeated Black Hills in their first meeting a few weeks ago.
Winning at the Line
If the game was predetermined based on free-throw shooting, the Cougars would possess a sizeable advantage. USF is shooting 77% at the line on the year in comparison to 62% by the Hardrockers.
45 and Nothing Less
USF had its shooting woes early on in the season, but with the exception of Saturday's game at Dakota State, the Cougars have continued to better their accuracy. They enter the weekend connecting on 46% of their attempts, which is a good sign because USF is 10-2 when shooting 45% or better this season.
Stroking it From Deep
BHSU has found success from downtown, where they are shooting a notable 37% to make an average of 7.5 3-point field goals per game.
Catching Stride
The Yellow Jackets are 4-1 in their last five games, including a big 76-60 win over S.D. School of Mines & Technology at home. They are set to play Minot State Friday February 10th before hosting USF Saturday. USF picked up back-to-back wins over the Beavers January 27 & 28, respectively.
Travel Concerns
Although many of their road losses stem from a "different team" earlier this season, USF's road resume has room for improvement. The Cougars are 3-7 on the road this season.
Double-Double
Through the first 20 games of the 2011-12 season, Skyler Bloch has recorded three double-doubles, which came at Bemidji (11/20), against UW-River Falls (12/31), and at Dakota State (2/4), while James Rader accounts for the team's third double-double this season. His came versus Black Hills State (1/21).
Up Next
The Cougars will meet Minot State a third and fourth time this season when they host the Beavers' in their final homestand of the year, Friday February 17th and Saturday February 18th at the Stewart Center.
