- The University of Sioux Falls was tied with NAIA DII No. 1 Walsh University (30-2) with 15 minutes left in the game, but sharp free throw shooting down the stretch earned the Cavaliers a 98-90 win in the second round of the NAIA National Tournament in Branson, MO.
The Cougars (25-10) showed spurts of great play in the first half, going on a couple of significant runs, but in a hole after a 11-0 run by Walsh to open the half. It was at the 16 minute mark that De’Shawn Howard (Tucson, Ariz.) scored USF’s first points of the game.
The Cavaliers clearly controlled the tempo through the first 10 minutes, gaining a 27-13 lead. However, USF pushed an 9-0 run to cut the deficit to five, down 27-22.
Walsh was able to sustain their lead however, making three pointers that kept the momentum from going completely to the Cougars. USF would once again pull within four points on a Matt Malloy (Jr.; Parkston, S.D.) jumper, but WU finished the half by scoring the final four points, taking a 44-36 lead to the locker room.
Malloy led the Cougars in scoring, sinking 14 points , while junior Ronnell Grant (Tucson, Ariz.) had nine points in the opening 20 minutes. WU forward Ricky Jackson was dominate, scoring 17 points, with Jeremy Shardo draining 10 points for the Cavaliers. WU was 40% from the three point arch, while USF was 0 for 5.
USF opened the half with four straight points to pull within two possessions, down 44-40. After the teams exchanged baskets, the Cougars were able to make run to tie the game, 48-48 with 15:56 left in the game. The Cavaliers, sensing a shift in momentum, quickly re-asserted themselves with two straight successful three point attempts, gaining a 54-48 lead in a matter of a moment.
After WU built a 10 point lead, the Cougars fought back with a Malloy jumper and a Cedric Seefeldt (Sr., Clark, S.D.) three pointer, pulling back within five, 65-59. With WU’s big guys, Jackson and forward L.J. Sutton, in foul trouble, USF was in good position to chip into the Cavalier’s 73-68 lead with 4:24 left. WU once again squandered the Cougar’s attempt to take their first lead of the game with seven unanswered points, going up 80-68.
USF mustered one late comeback attempt, making the game 93-88 with a minute left to play, but WU was able to maintain their lead on free throws, taking the eight point victory, 98-90.
Playing in his last game as Cougar, Seefeldt had one of his best games of the season, making 10 points and grabbing three rebounds. Senior Thomas Frames (Los Angeles, Calif.) also was playing in his last contest, as he made 15 points, had four assists and three rebounds.
Malloy had his second most points in a game this season, draining 30 points and grabbing four rebounds. Grant was one of five Cougars in double-digit points, making 11 points with six rebounds. Freshman David Maxwell (Parkston, S.D.) was the other USF player in double-digits, adding 10 points and nine rebounds.
USF enjoyed another 20 win season this year, finishing 25-10 overall and qualified for the NAIA Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season. With four of five starters returning next season, USF will look to make it back to Point Lookout, Mo. for the third straight season
