Box Score SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State University men's basketball knew coming in how tough the University of Sioux Falls can be inside.

Minot State also found out about the Cougars' 3-point shooting ability.

USF knocked down 13 3-pointers and held MSU at bay all night, finishing off a 70-51 win over the Beavers in nonconference NCAA Division II men's basketball Friday at the Stewart Center.

“We scouted them and had a game-plan in place for them after seeing them at our place (about a month ago,” said MSU head coach Peter Stewart. “But we missed some assignments and they are a very good basketball team. I thought our effort was they, we just missed some rotations.”

Sioux Falls (15-8 overall) opened a 10-point lead over the Beavers at halftime mainly due to second chances. The Cougars took 12 more shots than MSU in the first half and 13 more for the game, finishing with 15 offensive rebounds. USF held a 38-21 rebounding advantage.
“We got whipped in there,” Stewart said of the rebounding. “They dominated the boards. We can't allow that and expect to compete. Again, there were a lot of good things and a great effort, but we have to be better inside.”

MSU continued to hang around, but couldn't get a big basket – or more importantly – a big run.

“We shot less than 30 percent in the second half and they put the ball in the hole, 13 3-pointers is hard to overcome,” said Stewart.
Keith Cutler and Breston McNeal each hit four triples on their way to 16 and 14 points respectively to lead the Cougars. James Rader added seven rebounds in the win.

Minot State was paced by Josh Johnson's (Jr., F, Lufkin, Texas) 14 points and 10 rebounds. He was joined in double figures by Chris East (So., G, Toronto, Ontario) who scored 13 points and added four rebounds.

MSU and USF finish off four-game season series with a 6 p.m. scheduled tipoff Saturday.