Box Score SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State University had trouble hitting the 3-pointer – and defending it.

The Beavers gave up seven first-half 3-pointers and scored just one of their own as the University of Sioux Falls pulled away in the first half and ran away with a 79-36 win over MSU in nonconference NCAA Division II women's basketball Friday at the Stewart Center.

It was in stark contrast to a pair of solid back-and-forth games at Minot a month ago – albeit both were USF wins. MSU struggled from about the nine minute mark to both defend and score.

Minot State (10-13 overall) trailed by just one 16-15 after jump shot by Carly Boag (So., F, Tamworth, Australia) with 11:51 to play in the first half. With just under four minutes to play in the game, after a Laura Johnson 3, it was 37-17.

The Cougars (20-3) didn't let up much from there. USF shot 42.9 percent of its shot, knocking down 12 field goals in each half and went 23 for 27 from the free-throw line in the contest. MSU struggled to just 26 percent shooting and made just five second-half field goals.

USF had three players in double figures as Johnson led all scorers with 18 points. Jamey Hofer added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Vanessa Johnson scored 13 points for the Cougars.

Boag was the only player in double figures for MSU as she finished with 16 points and six rebounds. Christina Boag (So., F, Tamworth, Australia) added seven points, while Morgan Klose (Fr., G, Fairview, N.D.) finished with a team-high seven rebounds.

The two teams finish off a home and away double header with the final game of four against each other Saturday at 4 p.m.