By: Con Marshall
CSC Sports Information
Three-pointers made much of the difference Saturday afternoon as the University of Sioux Falls men's basketball team took a 84-72 decision from Chadron State during non-conference action in Sioux Falls.
The winning Cougars made 11 of 22 shots for 50% from 3-point territory, while the Eagles were just five of 18 from behind the arc for 27.7%.
The four Sioux Falls players who scored in double figures made 10 of their 12 long range shots. The leaders were seniors Jake Kettner, who made all three of 4 of his 3-point attempts while finishing with 15 points, and Jack Thompson, who was three of four on treys while posting a game-high 25 points.
In addition, both Shawn Warrior, who added 15 points, and Creighton Morisch, who scored 11, were two-of-two from long range.
Bryce Latimer led the Eagles with 26 points, followed by Josh Robinson with 14. Dalton Peterson added ten more points for the Eagles.
The Eagles opened the game by making their first three shots for a 6-0 lead and were ahead 21-14 midway in the first half. But they failed to score during the next six minutes while Sioux Falls built a 32-23 lead before the Eagles finally broke their drought. The halftime score was 34-32.
Overall, the Cougars shot 35.3% and the Eagles 41.9% in the first half. Both teams shot considerably better in the second half, with Sioux Falls hitting 61.3% and the Eagles 57.1%.
The margin on the scoreboard was at least 14 points throughout the final 20 minutes.
Sioux Falls out-rebounded the Eagles 28-20 and was credited with 19 assists compared to just six for the visitors. Leading scorer Thompson also had eight assists.
The Eagles, now 2-3 for the season, will open their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule this coming weekend by playing at Colorado State-Pueblo and New Mexico Highlands. They'll be home on Saturday, Dec. 9 against Western Colorado.
Sioux Falls is now 3-3.
Chadron State—Bryce Latimer 26, Josh Robinson 14, Dalton Peterson 10, Raul Nunez 8, Jarrett Taylor 6, Porter Anderson 4, Jalen Patterson 2, Julio Phipps 2. Totals: 28-58 (5-18) 9-9 72 points, 20 rebounds, 12 turnovers.
Sioux Falls—Jack Thompson 25, Jake Kettner 15, Shawn Warrior 15, Creighton Morisch 11, Noah Puetz 7, Kenji Scales 6, Kyle Ingwerson 3, Jack Cartwright 2. Totals: 31-66 (11-22) 11-16, 84 points, 28 rebounds, 9 turnovers.
Chadron State 32 40 ----72
Sioux Falls 34 50 ----84