Friday, Feb. 20 – vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 6 p.m., The DakotaDome, Vermillion, S.D.
*Saturday, Feb. 21 – vs. Minnesota, 6 p.m., The DakotaDome, Vermillion, S.D.
Thursday, Feb. 26 – at Iowa State, 7:30 p.m., Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
 
*indicates games telecast on South Dakota Public Television beginning at 9 p.m. (delayed broadcast)
 
VERMILLION, S.D.—Coming off what many consider to be the biggest win the program's history, the University of South Dakota women's basketball team (13-6 on the year) will host two top 20 teams this weekend. The Coyotes entertain Nebraska-Omaha, ranked eighth in Division II, on Friday (Feb. 20) and then meet Minnesota, No. 18 in Division I, on Saturday.
 
USD will be looking to avenge earlier losses to both schools. But that seems to be the Coyotes' strong suit right now. Having lost at Nebraska two weeks earlier, USD turned the tables on the Huskers and stormed out to a 48-33 halftime lead. While Nebraska, known for its second-half comebacks, evened the score at 73 when time expired, the Huskers were unable to control Karrie Wallen and the Coyotes in overtime. With USD ahead by two after baskets by Jo Haase and Mary Joneson, Wallen outscored Nebraska six to two, putting the game out of reach. In fact, the 5-9 freshman tallied nine of her career-high 25 points in overtime, giving USD its 87-85 victory.
 
That win gave South Dakota plenty to celebrate. Nebraska owns a share of the Central Section lead, having defeated Missouri by eleven points after overcoming a sizeable halftime deficit. And the Huskers, 15-9, have lost four times to top 20 teams and twice more to Drake, a team on the verge of breaking into the Top 20.
 
However, the competition this weekend promises to be as challenging, if not more so. Minnesota, 22-4 overall, is leading the North Section with a 5-1 mark. The Gophers concluded a big weekend of their own, winning the Big Ten title with a 79-73 decision over Northwestern last Sunday. The Gophers hosted Drake, second in the section, on Wednesday.
 
This will mark the second meeting in two weeks between the Coyotes and the Gophers. Minnesota scored seven consecutive points in the final 1:51 to claim a 77-68 victory on its home court in the last meeting. USD had scored five straight points, narrowing the margin to 70-68 before the Gopher barrage.
 
Minnesota is led by guard Debbie Hunter and center Linda Roberts. Roberts, the team's career scoring and rebound leader, averages 12.7 and 10.2, respectively. Hunter (11.2 ppg) ranks fourth in the nation in assists (7.1) and sixth in steals (4.1). Minnesota ranks 19th in scoring (79.6) and 11th in rebounding (49.2).
 
Nebraska-Omaha is also celebrating a tourney victory, winning the North Central Conference meet for the second consecutive year. UNO turned back Augustana 77-67 in the title game. South Dakota, the only Division I team of the traditional NCC schools, has not been allowed to compete in the tournament.
 
The Lady Mavs (20-5) average 70.8 points and 43.1 rebounds, while allowing only 58.6 and 37.9, respectively. The UNO front line has been especially productive. Barb Hart, a 5-11 senior post averages 20.8 points and 10 rebounds; while 6-6 sophomore Mary Henke adds 14.5 ppg and 9.9 rpg. Norene Groff-Conway (11.6, 5.2), a hot-shooting 5-9 forward, led UNO with 19 points vs. the Coyotes back in January. Senior guard Kriss Edwards (Watertown, S.D.) directs the UNO offense.
 
South Dakota has some firepower of its own, however. Senior center Mary Joneson (9.6 ppg, 11.7 rpg) ranks 14th in the Division I rebounding race. Senior guard Gloria Suntken (9.6, 4.9) is on the verge of making the leader list in assists, averaging 5.3. In fact, she had nine in the first half alone versus Nebraska. Senior guard Renee Steeve continues to lead the scoring, averaging 16 per game. She needs just 22 to become the second Coyote to reach the 1,000 point plateau – and she has another year of eligibility remaining. Also, Joneson is just 18 caroms shy of 1,000 for her career.
 
Jo Haase (8.9, 5.0, 58 assists) a 5-8 junior and 6-3 sophomore Pam Olerich (8.5, 5.4, 51.2% FG) are expected to start at the forwards. Wallen, the team's second leading scorer with a 10.7 average will see early action.