Box Score MINOT, N.D. – There were two key stretches late in the second half that doomed Minot State University.

The first was as rash of turnovers by the Beavers with about four minutes to play.

The second was about two minutes later as the University of Sioux Falls had five straight offensive rebounds leading to a second chance basket.

Those two stretches were enough in an otherwise tight game that helped Sioux Falls to a 66-62 win in nonconference NCAA Division II women's basketball Friday at the MSU Dome.

The Beavers and Cougars highlighted things to come as both will be members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference next season and played the game Friday like a conference weekend.

In the end, the Cougars (14-2 overall) made the plays in crucial moments. The rebounding margin ended up a 41-36 advantage for USF, but could have been dead even if it were not for a five-shot possession. Likewise, the turnovers were 19-12 with the Beavers making more miscues, but could have been a clean 15-12 if it weren't for the bad stretch for MSU.

Minot State (10-9 overall) shot the ball fairly well, hitting 45.3 percent in the game and held a 50-34 percent shooting advantage in the second half. But MSU took a total of 14 fewer shots – mainly due to 17 USF offensive rebounds – and were outscored 10-3 from the free-throw line in the second half.

The Cougars were paced by 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists from Jamey Hofer. Alyssa Rushton added 13 points and six rebounds for USF. Holli Aggen and Vanessa Johnson scored nine each and Laura Johnson finished with a team-high 10 rebounds to go along with seven points in the win.

April Nakatani (Sr., G, Sacramento, Calif.) made the most of her fourth start of the season with 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Carly Boag (So., F, Tamworth, Australia) and Morgan Klose (Fr., G, Fairview, N.D.) each scored 12. Christina Boag (So., F, Tamworth, Australia) added eight points and pulled down 10 rebounds for the Beavers.

The teams will square off again Saturday starting at 4 p.m.