VERMILLION, S.D. – South Dakota needed to come from behind to take down UTRGV Friday morning inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, and a third quarter surge lifted the Coyotes to a 68-56 win.
UTRGV had a 35-33 lead at the half Friday, but a 19-8 third quarter for USD put the Coyotes up nine heading into the final frame, and a steady defensive effort for the Coyotes kept the Vaqueros at bay. In total, four Coyotes scored in double figures, and after allowing UTRGV to shoot over 54% in the first half, the Coyote defense held UTRGV to 21.7% shooting in the second half.
Molly Joyce led the Coyotes in scoring again Friday, totaling 12 points. Bri Robinson and Latazia Williamson added 11 each and Livi Downs had her first double-digit scoring game collegiately with 10 points. The Yotes feasted at the free throw line, attempting 35 free throws, converting 24. Robinson converted six attempts at the charity stripe and was 2-of-3 from the floor.
A roller-coaster first quarter highlighted a quick 5-0 start for the Yotes, a 12-0 run for the Vaqueros, and a 9-0 run from the Coyotes to give USD a 20-17 lead after 10 minutes. Williamson had a hot start to the game with eight points, and a three-pointer from Ava Miller with just over a second left gave USD the quarter break lead.
The second quarter was a strong one for the Vaqueros, totaling 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting, while the Coyotes managed 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting with six turnovers. It would be the only quarter the Coyotes lost Friday.
After a back-and-forth first half with 11 lead changes, there would only be one lead change in the final 20 minutes. After Robinson made a pair of free throws to tie the game at 35, Downs converted a pullup jumper near the free throw line to give USD a 37-35 lead. The Vaqueros were able to even the game on the next possession, but a Molly joyce free throw put USD up one, and the lead would only grow from there.
A Jenna Hopp three-pointer with 1:35 to play in the third gave USD a nine-point advantage that forced a UTRGV timeout, and the first double digit lead of the game came on a pair of Tori Schlagel free throws with 10 seconds left in the quarter.
The Vaqueros got the game back within seven at multiple points in the fourth quarter, but never closer as USD responded to each UTRGV run with one of their own. Downs hit a triple with 18 seconds left that sealed the double-digit victory and her first 10-plus point scoring performance as a Coyote.
South Dakota played a measured and balanced attack Friday with assists on 14 of their 19 made baskets. USD won the rebound battle 33-25, including on the offensive glass with seven boards compared to five for the Vaqueros. Williamson had nine rebounds to go with her 11 points and Robinson had four assists with her 11 points.
The Coyotes improve to 2-0 on the season and 2-0 in the SCSC. Friday marked the fourth win under head coach Carrie Eighmey where USD overcame a halftime deficit to win. The Coyotes have attempted over 25 free throws in both games this season after reaching that mark just seven times in Eighmey’s first two seasons at the helm.
South Dakota is now 27-3 when outrebounding their opponent under Eighmey’s leadership. South Dakota also remains undefeated in the SCSC when holding their opponents under 60 points, improving to 89-0 all-time.
Next up for the Coyotes is a showdown at the Sanford Pentagon Wednesday, Nov. 11 against Creighton. It’s South Dakota’s first game away from the SCSC and Creighton’s third straight game against a Summit League school away from Omaha to start its season. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Sioux Falls.
NOTABLES
• South Dakota improves to 2-0 on the year and 2-0 at home.
• Friday is South Dakota’s four win when trailing at half under head coach Carrie Eighmey
• The Coyotes are a perfect 24-0 (2-0 this season) when holding their opponent under 60-points in the Eighmey era.
• USD is also now 89-0 inside the SCSC all-time when keeping its opponents under 60 points.
• USD had four players score in double figures for a second straight game to open the season.
• Joyce led all Coyotes with 12 points.
• Williamson had 11 points and 9 rebounds; Robinson finished with 11 points and 4 assists.
• Livi Downs recorded her first double digit scoring game with 10 points, adding five rebounds and three steals.
• USD is now 27-3 overall (2-0 this season) when outrebounding their opponent under Eighmey.
Story Provided by GoYotes.com
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