PHOENIX, Ariz. - The University of South Dakota (2-2) struggled offensively in the final minutes of each half and dropped a hard fought non-conference women's basketball game to Central Oklahoma 61-54 at the Grand Canyon Tournament Friday night.

The difference in the game was at the free throw line. The Broncos (2-1) converted 12-of-16 free throws, including five-of-six in the final minute, while USD made just one-of-six attempts in the game. On the night, USD hit 23-of-64 (.360) field goals while Central Oklahoma made 21-of-62 (.340) field goals. Both teams struggled from three-point range. USD made just 7-of-27 (.260), and the Broncos made 7-of-24 (.290).

Central Oklahoma jumped to a 5-0 lead in the opening minute before USD fought back to take a 6-5 lead at the 18:17 mark on a three-point basket by Julia Frie, who had 10 of her team-high 12 points in the first half. Jumpers by senior Kelly Koepp and freshman Jodie Schroeder gave the Coyotes a 14-10 lead at the 13:41 mark. With 8:33 to play in the first half, a basket by Kelly Gese gave the Coyotes a 24-21 lead. Central Oklahoma answered with a 10-4 run, keyed by a pair of three-point baskets, to grab a 31-28 lead at the 5:22 mark of the first half. Then Central Oklahoma outscored the Coyotes 9-4 to close the half for a 40-32 lead. Ami Guffy, who scored a game-high 15 points, had nine points in the first half by converting three-of-four three-point shots. USD made just 13-of-33 (.390) shots in the first half while Central Oklahoma hit 14-of-29 (.480) field goals.

USD fell behind 45-34 when Central Oklahoma's Kim Mullendore hit a jump shot with 16:51 to play in the game. The Coyotes fought back to take a 49-47 lead as a result of a 15-2 scoring run. Sophomore Amanda Iverson had four points, freshman Krista Orsack had a three-point basket, and a jumper by Schroeder tied the game with 10:23 to play. After junior Alissa Koronkiewicz hit a jumper to give the Coyotes the lead with 9:38 to play, Central Oklahoma took control. They outscored USD 14-5 over the last 9:07 to grab the victory. The Coyotes closed to 54-51 with 1:51 to play but could not sustain any offense, and the Broncos hit five-of-six free throws in the final minute to ice the game.

Besides Frie, who led the Coyotes with 12 rebounds, Gese scored in double figures with 11 points and had three assists. Koepp added seven points, five rebounds and five assists while Orsack and Koronkiewicz each scored six points. USD had 11 turnovers, five steals and three blocks.

Central Oklahoma received 14 points from Mullendore and 10 from Christine Massey, who also led the Broncos with nine rebounds. Both teams had 44 rebounds.