MARSHALL, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls (1-0) used 26 points from Vanessa Johnson en route to a 76-58 win over Southwest Minnesota State (0-1) in non-conference women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon in Marshall. Johnson was 8 of 14 from the field, including 5 of 9 from 3-point range for the Cougars.

SMSU falls to 28-15 all-time in season openers. Abby Kenealy was the only Mustang to record double-digits finishing with 20 points and five rebounds. Kenealy connected on 9 of 13 shots from the field, picking up 14 of her 20 points in the second half.

The Mustangs struggled from the free throw line in the first half connecting on 1 of 7 free throws in the first half. SMSU shot 34 percent in the first half, which included 1 of 4 from 3-point range.

SMSU scored the first bucket of the game, and that was the last time SMSU would hold a lead in the game. The Cougars would build an 11-point lead when Johnson connected on a 3-pointer.Bree Holleman helped SMSU cut into USF's lead hitting a jumper at 7:55.

The Cougars hit consecutive shots from 3-point range and two free throws by Elizabeth Hildreth to extend their lead to 27-12 with six minutes to play in the half. 

The Cougars pulled away with the game in the first half going into the locker room at halftime with a 19-point lead at 41-22.

The Mustangs out-rebounded the Cougars 35 to 33, led by freshman Hope Bonlander who finished with six boards. Bonlander added eight points for SMSU while Jessie Watts and Kenealy both picked up five rebounds for SMSU. Watts and Holleman each finished with seven points.

The Cougars extended their lead to 24 at 51-27 after a 3-pointer by Vanessa Johnson at 16:44 of the second half. USF would continue to grow its lead in the second half eventually taking a 29-point lead 66-39.

Sioux Falls would go on to win 76-58 over the Mustangs. Southwest Minnesota State will continue non-conference action next Thursday, Nov. 17, traveling to Minot, N.D., to take on the Beavers of Minot State at 6 p.m.