Jan. 25, 2001

South Dakota women's basketball team (8-8, 3-6 in the NCC) will attempt to end a 20-game losing streak to South Dakota State on Friday night at the DakotaDome. Gametime is set for 6 p.m. The Coyotes will also play host to the Augustana College Vikings on Saturday night at 6 p.m.

SERIES - SDSU: In the 59th game of the series between the two schools, SDSU owns a 39-19 advantage. The Coyotes' last victory was a 69-63 win at the DakotaDome in 1991. Earlier this year, State took a 70-51 decision at Frost Arena in Brookings. A year ago, the Jacks won 80-76 at Brookings and 85-79 at the DakotaDome.

SERIES - AUGUSTANA: The Vikings own a 26-21 series advantage over the Coyotes. Augustana beat the Coyotes 75-69 on the last meeting, Dec. 29, at the Elmen Center,. In the 1999-00 season, Augustana went 2-0, defeating South Dakota, 76-59 on Jan. 2, 2000, at the Elmen Center and 82-59 on March 4, 2000, at the DakotaDome.

IN-GAME NOTES

SEASON TO DATE: The Coyotes are 8-8 overall with a 6-2 record at home, 2-4 away, and 0-2 on a neutral floor. In the NCC, South Dakota is 3-2 at home and 0-4 on the road. The Coyotes are 5-2 in nonconference games this season. Last weekend, the Coyotes cruised past Morningside College, 72-50, as sophomore Amanda Iverson scored a career high 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Coyotes. The Coyotes lost to North Dakota, 76-48, on Jan. 12 and NDSU, 87-58, on Jan. 13 during their trip north. The last time the Coyotes were home for a weekend NCC doubleheader, they rallied past Northern Colorado, 77-69 on Friday, Jan. 5 as senior guard Kelly Koepp scored 21 points and senior point guard Kelly Gese added 18 points. The next night, the Coyotes lost a six-point lead late in the game by going scoreless for nearly five-minutes as the Coyotes fell at home to Nebraska-Omaha, 81-76 on Saturday, Jan. 6. Click here for the full season schedule and results.

PROBABLE STARTING LINE-UPS

SOUTH DAKOTA PROBABLE STARTERS

F - 23 - Julia Frie, 6'0, So., Byron, Minn. (12.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
F - 42 - Heather Nelson, 5'10, So., Yankton, S.D. (8.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg)
F - 44 - Alissa Koronkiewicz, 5'10, Jr., Peshtigo, Wis. (3.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
G - 32 - Kelly Koepp, 5'9, Sr., Jordan, Minn. (11.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg)
G - 10 - Kelly Gese, 5'8, Sr., Shoreview, Minn. (10.0 ppg, 5.9 apg, 3.2 rpg)

TOP RESERVES

G - 03 - Krista Orsack, 5'10, Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D. (8.7 ppg., 2.6 rpg)
G - 13 - Nicole Jaycox, 5'7, So., Sanborn, Iowa (4.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg)
C - 04 - Jodi Schroeder, 6'1, Fr., Tulare, S.D. (5.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
F - 43 - Amanda Iverson, 6'0, So.,Vermillion, S.D. (5.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg)

SDSU PROBABLE STARTERS

G - 12 - Gwen Greiner, 5'7, Sr., Hancock, Minn. (8.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg)
G - 20 - Shari Johnson, 5'7, Jr., Yankton, S.D. (6.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg)
C - 34 - Melissa Pater, 5'11, So., Holland, Minn. (11.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
F - 40 - Angie Loken, 6'2, Sr., St. Peter, Minn. (13.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg)
F- 30 - Kris DeRuyck, 5'10, Sr., Milroy, Minn. (5.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg)

TOP RESERVES

G - 22 - Sherri Brende, 5'7, Sr., Baltic, S.D. (12.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg)
G - 14 - Brenda Davis, 5'11, Fr., Colton, S.D. (8.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg)
G - 52 - Sarah Rippke, 6'0, Sr., Mankato, Minn. (6.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg)

AUGUSTANA PROBABLE STARTERS

G- 12 - Tamera Oltmanns, 5'10, Jr., Lennox, S.D. (16.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
G - 22 - Nicole Tendler, 5'10, Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D. (12.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
C - 45 - Brittani Janssen, 6-1, Sr., DeSmet, S.D. (14.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg)
F - 33 - Charissa Sheppard, 6'0, So., Flandreau, S.D. (8.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg)
F - 32 - Lonna Larson, 6'0, Jr., Vermillion, S.D. (6.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg)

TOP RESERVES

F - 42 - Nina Rozell, 6'2, So., Elk Point, S.D. (5.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg)
G - 30 - Tresse Klumper, 5'8, So., Worthington, Minn. (7.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg)
G - Brenna Rollie, 5'9, Fr., Rothsay, Minn. (2.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg)

COACHES

CHAD LAVIN, a 1978 graduate of South Dakota, is in his third (seventh overall) year as head coach at South Dakota with a 1087-76 (.587) record. His overall coaching slate is 282-238 (.543). Lavin directed South Dakota to an 82-32 (.719) record and three consecutive North Central Conference basketball championships from 1982-85. Lavin was the head women's coach at the University of Wyoming from 1986-98 where he constructed a record of 175-162 (.519). Lavin's 1996-97 team was recognized for attaining the second-highest grade point average in NCAA Division I. His Wyoming team is one of only two teams to participate in every High Country Athletic Conference and Western Athletic Conference postseason tournaments from 1986-98. Lavin, a three-year letterwinner for the USD men's basketball program, including being named to the academic all-North Central Conference team in 1978, earned a B.S. degree in business management from South Dakota in 1978 and an M.A. in physical education in 1983. Lavin, a former head coach at Dell Rapids High School (22-19) in 1979, was a men's basketball assistant at Mount Marty College in 1981-82. Lavin, who directed USD to three NCAA Division II regional tournament berths was twice NCC Coach of the Year and the South Dakota Sportswriters Women's Collegiate Coach of the Year in 1984-85. His 23-6 record in 1984-85 stands as the best mark in school history. He is married to the former Cindy Little of Castlewood, S.D. Coyote assistants include Becky Flynn, a 1996 graduate of Creighton University, and Trina Hansen, a 1997 graduate of South Dakota, and Jay Hennies, a 1965 South Dakota graduate. Both Flynn and Hansen starred at Wakonda High School. Hennies played for South Dakota from 1961-65.

SDSU'S AARON JOHNSON is in his first year at SDSU. He has compiled an overall record of 15-8 (.652) and 9-6 (.600) in the NCC (he was 4-2 as an interim coach during 1999-00). Originally of Pine Island, Minn., he replaced Nancy Nieber, who took a senior administrator's post at SDSU. Johnson, who has a bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus (1996), is assisted by Laurie Melum (Augustana '98).

AUGUSTANA'S DAVE KRAUTH is in his 12th season as the Vikings head coach and in 1996-97 became the school's all-time win leader. He has compiled a 236-93 (.717) record and has led the Vikings to seven NCAA Division II regional tournaments. Krauth was named North Central Conference Coach of the Year in 1990 and South Dakota Sportswriters' College Coach of the Year in 1994. Krauth, a University of Sioux Falls graduate, is assisted by Mike Jewett, a 1994 graduate of Augustana.

ABOUT SDSU: The Jacks have an 11-6 overall mark and 5-4 in the NCC. They are 4-5 on the road and 7-1 at Frost Arena. The Jacks are 11-2 when leading at halftime and 0-3 when trailing at the break. The Jacks, who are scoring 80.1 per game while permitting 77.8 per game, have outscored opponents 648-518 in the first half and 713 to 663 in the second stanza for an overall margin of 1,361 to 1,181. The Jacks have hit 488 of 1,087 field goals for 44.9 percent including 96 of 251 (38.2 percent) three-point field goals. SDSU has hit 289 of 402 free throws for 71.9 percent. SDSU has been outrebounded by opponents by a 44.6 to 43.4 mark. SDSU is hitting 45.2 percent of their first half field goals and 44.7 percent of second half shots. Angie Loken scored a season high 25 points in the Jacks' win over Bemidji State on Nov. 17. She also has SDSU's season high rebound total with 15 vs. Northern Colorado on January 20, 2001. The Jacks defeated Northern Colorado, 114-74, at Brookings last Saturday. The 114-point total was a school record as the Jacks' hit 57.3 percent from the field, including 67.7 in the opening half. Six SDSU players reached double figures, including Sherri Brende with 20. In the NCC statistics, SDSU leads in 3-point field goal percentage, making 38.2 percent (96-251) of their long distance shots. The Jacks also lead in defensive rebounds with 28.76 (489) per game. Gwen Greiner leads the NCC in 3-point field goal percentage at 46.9 percent (23-49). Angie Loken and Melissa Pater are both tied for third in the NCC in field goal percentage at 56.1 percent (83-148).

ABOUT AUGUSTANA: Augustana has a 12-5 overall record, including 8-0 at home and 4-4 on the road. The Vikings have a 5-0 record at home and 1-3 mark away in NCC games. They are 6-2 in nonconference games. Their only win on the road was a win over North Dakota State, 73-71, on Dec. 8, 2000. The Vikings, who are tied with St. Cloud State for third in the NCC, swept Northern Colorado (69-56) and Nebraska Omaha (75-58) last weekend (Jan. 19-20). The Vikings have hit 449 of 1,098 field goals for 40.9 percent and have hit 70 of 234 three-point field goals for 29.9 percent. They have hit 275 of 372 free throws for 73.9 percent. Augustana holds a 42.1 to 41.4 rebound edge over opponents. They have outscored their opponents 595 to 523 in the first half and 648 to 597 in the second stanza for an overall , 1243 to 1,120 scoring advantage. Augustana leads the NCC in free throw percentage (.770) and blocked shots (5.18 bpg) and is fifth in scoring defense (65.9 ppg).

TWO VIKINGS HAVE TOPPED 1,000 POINTS: Augustana has two players on the active roster with over 1,000 points. Brittani Janssen, a senior from De Smet, S.D., has scored 1,150, and Nicole Tendler, a senior from Sioux Falls, S.D., just reached the milestone with 1,014.

THIS AND THAT ON SOUTH DAKOTA COYOTE NUMBERS: South Dakota has outscored opponents 508 to 488 in the first half and 626 to 545 in the second half for a 1,134 to 1,033 overall point advantage. The Coyotes are averaging 70.9 points and allowing 64.6 per game. South Dakota has made 396 of 1,022 field goals for 38.7 percent, 101of 329 three-point field goals for 30.7 percent and 241 of 332 free throws for 72.6 percent.

GESE MOVES INTO 10TH PLACE ON SCORING CHART: Senior point guard Kelly Gese, who maintains 3.54 grade point average in communication disorders, has scored 160 points (10.0 per game) for a career total of 1,136, which is 10th on the all-time Coyote all-time scoring chart. The top 10 scoring list includes Karrie Wallen (1980-84), 1,595, Ann Pancoast (1981-85), 1,591, Shelby Petersen Mayer (1990-94), 1,487, Renee Steeve (1977-82), 1,306, Amy Heller (1987-1991), 1,282, Stacy Kracht (1987-1991), 1,277, Mitzie Frericks (1982-86), 1,264, Gloria Suntken (1977-81), 1,212, Jodi Beavers (1991-1995) and Gese.

GESE CHASING ASSISTS, STEALS LEADERS: With 95-assists (5.94) per game, Gese has a career total of 388, which is third on the Coyotes' career assist list. Gese recently moved past Beth Vilhauer (1985-89), 374, and Shelby Petersen Mayer (1990-94), 380 assists. Gese is currently tied with two others (Diane Lutz, 1984-89, and Jean Misterek, 1983-87) for 15th on the all-time in career steals with 117 (20 this season).

SPOTLIGHT ON JULIA FRIE: A sophomore from Byron, Minn., Julia Frie, who carries a 3.822 grade point average in biology/chemistry, ranks 12th in the NCC in scoring at 12.8 points per game. She is second in the NCC in free throw percentage at 86.5 percent (45-52). Frie, who recorded the 23rd best point total in Coyote history in 1999-2000 (384 points), is 15th in the NCC in field goal percentage at 47.2 percent (75-159). She is ninth in the conference in defensive rebounds with 4.63 per game. Frie is averaging 27.5 minutes per game and has hit 10 of 36 three-point baskets for 27.8 percent. She is averaging 6.5 rebounds (13th NCC) per game and has scored 205 points. Frie has 12 double figure scoring games with a high of 23 points vs. Nebraska-Omaha Jan. 6. She has scored 20 or more points on three occasions.

KNOCKING IN 3'S: South Dakota has made at least five three-pointers in 13 of 16 games this season and has made at least two in every game.

SECOND HALF TOUGH: South Dakota has outscored their opponents in the second half in nine of 16 games this season.

NCC TEAM NOTES: The 113 points South Dakota scored vs. Minnesota-Morris is the second best scoring game among NCC league members this season. South Dakota's 43 field goals in that game is also a NCC high as were the 13 three point shots made and 35 assists in a game. The Coyotes' 36 free throws and 51 free throw attempts vs. St. Cloud are also NCC highs.

* Julia Frie is 2nd in free throw shooting at 86.5 percent (45-52). Frie is 9th in defensive rebounds at 4.63 per game (74). Her 6.5 rebounds per game ranks 13th in the NCC. She ranks 12th in scoring at 12.8 points per game. Frie is 15th in the NCC in field goal percentage at .47.2 per game (75-159).

* Kelly Gese leads the conference in assist/turnover ratio at 3.28 (95 assists, 29 turnovers). She is second in assists at 5.9 per game. Gese is 3rd in free throw percentage at 83.6 (51-61). Gese is 25th in scoring at 10.0 per game.

* Kelly Koepp is 21st in scoring at 11.0 per game.

* Krista Orsack is first in the NCC in three-point field goals made with 2.38 (38) per game. She is sixth in 3-point field goal percentage at .380 (38-100).

* Heather Nelson is 9th in 3-point field goals made 1.33 per game (20).

* Nicole Jaycox is 10th in three point field goals made with 1.31 (21) per game.

* Alissa Koronkiewicz is 9th in offensive rebounds at 2.44 (39).

* In NCC team categories, South Dakota is first in assist/turnover ratio, 1.54 (264 assists, 171 turnovers), second in free throw percentage, .726 (241-332), second in 3-point field goals made, 6.31 per game (101), fourth in field goal percentage defense, 37.5 percent (362-965), and fourth in turnover margin, 4.94 (171 for South Dakota and 250 by opponents).

NCC STANDINGS

                      NCC  ALL
North Dakota          8-1 16-1
NDSU                  7-2 17-3
St. Cloud State       6-3 13-4
Augustana             6-3 12-5
SDSU                  5-4 11-6
Nebraska-Omaha        4-5  6-11
Minn. State - Mankato 3-6  6-13
Northern Colorado     3-6  8-9
South Dakota          3-6  8-8
Morningside           0-9  3-14

FRIE NAMED NCC PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Julia Frie, a sophomore forward on the South Dakota women's basketball team, was named North Central Conference Player of the Week, according to an announcement (Dec. 4) by the conference office. Frie scored 20 points as the Coyotes put together a record-breaking effort in their victory over Minnesota-Morris, 113-39, on Saturday, Dec. 2. In a strong all-around performance, Frie hit eight of nine field goals, was one for one from three-point range, and hit all three of her free throw attempts while grabbing four rebounds, and recording two assists and two steals.

COYOTES SET TWO RECORDS, TIE ANOTHER: Led by Frie's performance, South Dakota set or tied three Coyotes' records on Dec. 2. By scoring 113 points, South Dakota broke the 1982 record of 110 points set on Nov. 26, 1982 against Metro State. The Coyotes set a record for most three-point baskets in a game by hitting 13 of 29 three-point shots for 45 percent. That effort broke the mark of 11 three-pointers set by the 1991-92 team and the 1999-2000 squad. Three times South Dakota teams have made 11 three-point baskets, including the Jan. 8, 1992 game vs. Peru State and the Jan. 31, 1992 game against Augustana on Jan. 31. The 1999-00 team also hit 11 three pointers in a Jan. 22, 2000, game with Morningside. South Dakota also tied the Coyotes record for most assists in a game. The total of 35 tied the record set by the Coyotes on Jan. 14, 1989 vs. Mankato State (now Minnesota State-Mankato).

LAST YEAR: The Coyotes were 11-16 and 4-14 in the NCC during 1999-00. South Dakota was 8-8 at home and 1-8 away with a 2-0 record on neutral floors. In non-conference games, the Coyotes were 7-2 including 5-2 at home and 2-0 on a neutral floor.

A LITTE HISTORY: The Coyotes won the first three NCC championships from 1982-85 but happened won a title since. The Coyotes, who were coached then and now by Chad Lavin, accumulated 28 wins and just eight losses during that era. Two Coyotes, Karrie Wallen (1982-83) and Ann Pancoast (1983-84) won NCC scoring titles while Katie Dailey won three con secutive assists titles from 1983-86. Shelby Petersen won a three-point field goal title in 1992-93. The Coyotes have three academic all-Americans including Deb Petersen (first team, 1983-84), Karrie Wallen (second team, 1983-84), and Jean Misterek (first team, 1986-87)

SOUTH DAKOTA IN POSTSEASON: South Dakota has made four post-season playoff appearances including 1982-83 (North Central Region runner-up), 1983-84 (North Central Region champions), 1984-85 (North Central Region runner-up) and 1988-89 (North Central Region qualifier). The Coyotes have appeared four times in the NCAA Division II Poll including as high as seventh during the 23-5 season of 1985.

SOUTH DAKOTA HIGHS

POINTS - 113, vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
FG MADE - 43 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
FG ATTEMPTS - 85 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
FG PERCENTAGE -- .506 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
3PT FG - 13 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
3PT FG ATT. - 29 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
FT MADE - 36 vs. St. Cloud State (12/09/00)
FT ATTEMPTS - 51 vs. St. Cloud State (12/09/00)
FT PERCENTAGE -- .867 vs. North Dakota State (1/13/01)
REBOUNDS: 58 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
ASSISTS: 35 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
STEALS: 11 vs. Dakota Wesleyan (12/15/00) and Nebraska-Omaha (1-6-01)
BLOCKED SHOTS - 6 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/02/00)
TURNOVERS: 18 vs. South Dakota State (12/30/00)
FOULS - 24 vs. Mount Marty (11/21/00), and Augustana (12/29/00)

SOUTH DAKOTA LOWS

POINTS - 48 vs. North Dakota (1/12/01)
FG MADE - 15 vs. Minnesota State-Mankato (12/8/00)
FG ATTEMPTS - 50 vs. St. Cloud State (12/9/00)
FG PERCENTAGE -- .286 vs. North Dakota (1/12/01)
3PT FG - 2 vs. Northern Colorado (1-5-01)
3PT FG ATT. - 12 vs. North Dakota (1/12/01)
FT MADE - 1 vs. Central Oklahoma (11/24/00)
FT ATTEMPTS - 6 vs. Central Oklahoma (11/24/00)
FT PERCENTAGE -- .167 vs. Central Oklahoma (11/24/00)
ASSISTS: 8 vs. Minnesota State-Mankato (12/8/00)
STEALS - 4 vs. Wayne State (11//17/00), 4 vs. Augustana (12/29/00), 4 vs. North Dakota State (1/13/01)
BLOCKED SHOTS - 0 vs. Grand Canyon (11/25/00), 0 vs. Nebraska-Omaha (1-6-01)
TURNOVERS - 7 vs. Minnesota-Morris (12/2/00), 7 vs. Augustana (12/29/00)
FOULS - 12 vs. South Dakota State (12/30/00), 12 vs. Nebraska-Omaha (1-6-01)