GAMETIME: As the regular season draws to close in a bunched up North Central Conference, every game is pivotal for postseason positioning. For South Dakota (17-6, 9-6 in the NCC), a home date with the Morningside Mustangs (3-20, 0-15 in the NCC) is a critical game. The Coyotes currently sit in fourth place, a half-game behind North Dakota (14-8, 9-5), who face Minnesota State-Mankato (8-14, 4-10 in the NCC) on Friday night at the Bresnan Arena in Mankato, Minn., and St. Cloud State (16-6, 8-6 in the NCC) on Saturday at Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud, Minn. With the Wells Fargo Tournament looming ahead, South Dakota State (19-3, 13-1 in the NCC) has control of the top seed. However, the battle for second through fourth place in the NCC remains up in the air. Whoever ends up in the second through fourth positions in the standings will host a first round game in the NCC Tournament's opening round on Feb. 26.

QUICK TAKES: The Coyotes have defeated Morningside five straight times dating back to the 1998-99 season. USD has won 11 of the past 13 games with the Mustangs, including a 103-75 decision on Jan. 19 at Allee Gym in Sioux City, Iowa.

ON THE RECORD: South Dakota is 17-6 including a 11-1 record at home, 4-5 away, 2-0 on a neutral floor. The Coyotes are 9-6 in the NCC, 5 -1 at home, 4-5 on the road; and 8-0 in nonconference games. SOUTH DAKOTA PROBABLE STARTERS: G - 03 -- Paul Marshall, 6'1, Sr., Winnebago, Ill. (16.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) G - 05 - Josh Mueller, 5'11, Fr., Hartford, S.D. (17.9 ppg, 6.4 apg, 3.3 rpg, 2.21 spg) F - 22 -- Jimmie Foster, 6'4, Sr., Milwaukee, Wis. (13.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) F - 52 - Steve Anderson, 6'7, So., Rapid City, S.D. (10.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg) C - 51 - J.D. Roberts, 6'6, Fr., Ponca, Neb. (5.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg) SOUTH DAKOTA TOP RESERVES G - 42 - Eric Hickenbottom, 6'6, Sr., Agency, Iowa (8.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg) G - 10 - Luke Tibbetts, 6'3, Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D. (3.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg) F - 32 - Scott Hansen, 6'7, Sr., Coleridge, Neb. (5.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg) F - 53 - Eric Holmstadt, 6'9, So., Monticello, Minn. (3.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg) MORNINGSIDE PROBABLE STARTERS G - 12 - Will Dotson, 6'1, Fr., Paullina, Iowa (4.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg) G - 32 - Dustin Cooper, 6'2, So., Sioux City, Iowa (10.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg) F - 45 - Bryce Roth, 6'4, Jr., Milford, NE (5.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg) F - 41 - Matt Britton, 6'5, So., LeMars, Iowa (13.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg) F - 33 - Mark Roush, 6'6, So., Marshalltown, Iowa. (12.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg)

Reserves: G - 22 - Elvin Reyes, Jr., Panama City, Panama (4.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg); F - 30 - Brett Stoulil, 6'3, So., Pocahontas, Iowa (1.1 ppg, 0.9 rpg); G/F - 40 - Zach Putnam, 6'4, Fr., Oakland, Iowa (3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg); F - 43 - Brett Muller, 6'5, Fr., Milford, NE (2.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg) SERIES - South Dakota/Morningside: When the two teams meet at the DakotaDome on Saturday night, it will be the 190th meeting between the schools. The Coyotes own a 112-77 overall series record. The Coyotes Morningside, 103-75 on Jan. 19 at Allee Gym in Sioux City, Iowa. South Dakota won both decisions vs. Morningside in 2000-01 including a 80-69 decision in Sioux City, Iowa, and a 77-73 win at the DakotaDome. South Dakota has won 11 of the last 13 games between the teams, including five in a row. The last Morningside win was a 85-80 decision in Sioux City in the 1998-99 season.

LAST TIME: The South Dakota men's basketball team had six players score in double figures as the Coyotes rolled to a 103-75 win over Morningside College at Allee Gym before 1,200 in attendance. South Dakota Freshman guard Josh Mueller scored 22 points, including 12 of 13 from the free throw line, and had a career-best 10 assists to lead the Coyotes. It was Mueller's first career double double. Senior shooting guard Paul Marshall tallied 18 points while senior forward Jimmie Foster had 14 points. Sophomore forward Steve Anderson recorded his fifth double double of the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Senior forward Scott Hansen (hit four of six three-pointers and was six of nine from the field as he also had 16 points. Senior forward Eric Hickenbottom chipped in with 10 points. The Coyotes hit 32 of 56 field goals for 57.1 percent and they were nine of 18 from three-point range for 50 percent. The Coyotes made 30 of 40 free throws for 75 percent. Morningside hit 28 of 57 field goals for 49.1 percent and they were eight of 27 from the three-point line for 29.6 percent. They hit 11 of 17 free throws for 64.7 percent. The Mustangs were led in scoring by Mark Roush who had a career high 23 points while Dustin Cooper added 19 and Will Dotson had 10 points. The victory was the 400th career victory for South Dakota head coach Dave Boots.

REGIONAL RANKINGS: The University of South Dakota men's basketball team (17-6, 9-6 in the NCC) is seventh in the North Central Regional rankings released today (Feb. 13, 2002). South Dakota State (19-3) is No. 1 in the region with Nebraska-Kearney (18-3) in the second spot. The Coyotes will host Morningside (3-20, 0-15 in the NCC) at the DakotaDome on Saturday night.

NORTH CENTRAL REGION RANKINGS

1. South Dakota State (19-3) 2. Nebraska-Kearney (18-3) 3. Metro State (19-4) 4. Nebraska-Omaha (20-6) 5. Fort Hays State (17-5) 6. St. Cloud State (16-6) 7. South Dakota (17-6) 8. Southwest State (16-6) 9. Northern State (17-6) 10. North Dakota (14-8)

POLLS: Kentucky Wesleyan is the No. 1 team in NCAA Division II, according to rankings released Jan. 21, 2002 by the NABC/Division II Bulletin. Two NCC schools, SDSU, No. 14, and St. Cloud State, No. 16, are ranked in the top 25 nationally. The rankings are as follows: 1 Kentucky Wesleyan (22-1). 2. Northeastern State (21-1) 3. Cal State-San Bernardino (20-1) 4. Tampa (20-1) 5. Adelphi (22-1) 6. Humboldt State (20-1) 7. Seattle Pacific (20-2) 8. Salem International (20-2) 9. Northwest Missouri State (20-2) 10. Michigan Tech (20-2) 11. Henderson State (18-4) 12. South Dakota State (19-3) 13. Indiana, Pa. (20-2) 14. Nebraska-Kearney (18-3) 15. Assumption (18-3) 16. Gannon (20-3) 17. Cal State-Bakersfield (18-3) 18. Missouri Southern (17-5) 19. Johnson C. Smith (18-4) 20. Missouri Western (17-5) 21. Shaw (18-4) 22. California, Pa. (19-4) 23. Wingate (20-4) 24. Metro State (19-4) 25. Montana State-Billings (19-3)

COYOTES ON THE RADIO: The University of South Dakota men's basketball games home and away can be heard on KVHT- FM 106.3, Vermillion/Yankton, S.D. Kevin Culhane begins his fifth year as voice of the Coyotes. Veteran broadcaster Joe Van Goor will provide color. A pre-game show begins one half-hour prior to tip-off. The game is also available on the Internet at www.usdcoyotes.com and on Teamline at 1-800-846-4700 (team code - 6056). Since 1990, Teamline has provided live coverage of over 40,000 events annually for over 500 college and pro sports teams, directly to consumers over any telephone in the world.

NCC STANDINGS South Dakota State 13-1 19-3 Nebraska-Omaha 11-4 20-6 North Dakota 9-5 14-8 South Dakota 9-6 17-6 Northern Colorado 9-6 14-9 St. Cloud State 8-6 16-6 Augustana 5-9 11-11 Minnesota State 4-10 8-14 North Dakota State 4-10 10-12 Morningside 0-15 3-20 SCHEDULE/RESULTS February 15 Nebraska-Omaha at Augustana, 8 p.m. North Dakota State at St. Cloud State, 8 p.m. North Dakota at Minnesota St.-Mankato, 8 p.m. Northern Colorado at South Dakota State, 8 p.m. February 16 Northern Colorado at Augustana, 8 p.m North Dakota State at Minn. St. Mankato, 8 p.m. Nebraska-Omaha at South Dakota State, 8 p.m. Morningside at South Dakota, 8 p.m. North Dakota at St. Cloud State, 8 p.m. February 9 South Dakota State 94 Augustana 76 North Dakota State 103 Morningside 62 Northern Colorado 86 St. Cloud State 85 North Dakota 87 South Dakota 75 Nebraska-Omaha 73 Minn. State-Mankato 61 February 8 South Dakota 86 North Dakota State 73 Northern Colorado 101 Minnesota- St. Mankato 88 Nebraska-Omaha 81 St. Cloud St. 72 North Dakota 91 Morningside 63 UPDATING ALL-TIME RECORDS, BOOTS' COACHING MARKS: In its 92nd year of basketball, South Dakota men's basketball reached a significant milestone with its 1,000th victory vs. North Dakota State on Jan. 12, 2002 at the DakotaDome. South Dakota is now 1,004-889 (.530) all-time. Earlier this season, the Coyotes reached the 500-win plateau in NCC play. Currently, the Coyotes are 506-500 (.503) in NCC games, including a 166- 83 (.666) mark while head coach Dave Boots as been head basketball coach (since 1988). Boots, who has a 288-112 (.720) mark at South Dakota, recorded his 400th career win (403-175, .697) with the win over Morningside on Jan. 19, 2002 at Allee Gym in Sioux City, Iowa. He has the 18th best winning percentage among active coaches in NCAA Division II. His 388-166 mark in Division II games ranks him 21st among active coaches.

BOOTS VS. MORNINGSIDE - 22-8

ANDERSON, MARSHALL TIE RECORDS: ~ Steve Anderson of Rapid City, S.D., tied a DakotaDome record by grabbing 22 rebounds vs. Missouri Western on Nov. 20, He tied the record held by two others (Doug "Joe" Moeller, vs. Northern Colorado, 2-23-91; Bruce Bykowski, vs. Northern Colorado, 1-24-82). ~ Paul Marshall hit eight of 10 three-point field goals for 26 points in the 104-78 win over Western State on Saturday at the Sioux Valley/Wells Fargo Basketball Classic at the Elmen Center. With the eight three-point field goals, Marshall tied the school record for made three-point field goals in a game. Marshall hit seven three-point shots in the first half, including six in the first seven minutes.

2001-02 NUMBERS POINTS - South Dakota is averaging 83.4 points and allowing 72 points per game. South Dakota is outscoring opponents 892 to 791 in the first half and 1,026 to 864 in the second half for a total advantage of 1,918 to 1,655 for a margin of +11.4 per game. SHOOTING - The Coyotes have made 657 of 1,368 field goals for 48 percent while converting 184 of 471 three-point field goals for 39.1 percent, or 8.0 per game. South Dakota has made 420 of 557 free throws for 75.4 percent. REBOUNDING - The Coyotes own a 37.5 to 35.2 rebound advantage over opponents. MISCELLANEOUS STATS - South Dakota has committed 303 turnovers, or 13.2 per game. The Coyotes are averaging 8.2 steals (189), 3.5 blocked shots (80) and 15.3 assists (351) per game.

NCC PLAY POINTS - South Dakota is outscoring opponents, 79.7 to 76.9 (1,196-1,153). SHOOTING - South Dakota has hit 410 of 848 for 48.3 percent; 121 of 306 for 39.5 percent from the three-point line; and 255 of 327 for 78 percent from the free throw line. NCC opponents have made 404 of 911 field goals for 44.3 percent; 130 of 351 for 37 percent from the three-point line and 215 of 306 for 70.3 percent from the free throw line. REBOUNDING - Opponents are outrebounding South Dakota, 35.9 to 33.3.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS SD STATS IN HOME NCC GAMES: In home NCC games this season, South Dakota has a 5-1 record. The Coyotes are outscoring opponents, 82.0 to 75.0 at home. South Dakota has hit 164 of 350 field goals for 46.9 percent, including 52 of 130 three-point field goals for 40 percent as well as 112 of 147 free throws for 76.2 percent. They averaged 33.8 rebounds, 15.0 assists, 11.8 turnovers, 8.7 steals, and 3.0 blocks. NCC foes have made 153 of 351 field goals for 43.6 percent at the Dome. Opponents have made 51 of 142 three-point field goals for 35.9 percent and 93 of 134 free throws for 69.4 percent. NCC foes averaged 36.7 rebounds. South Dakota has 11 more field goals (164 to 153), one more three-pointer (52 to 51) and 19 more free throws (112 to 93) in home NCC games.

AT THE HALF: South Dakota is 14-1 this season when leading at halftime. When trailing at half, the Coyotes are 2-4. In tied games, the Coyotes are 1-1. South Dakota has won 26 of their last 28 games when leading at half time. The Coyotes have won 23 of its last 26 games when scoring over 80 points.

MARSHALL EIGHTH IN ALL-TIME MADE THREE-POINT FIELD GOALS: With five three-point field goals against North Dakota on Feb. 9, Paul Marshall moved into 8th place on the all-time South Dakota three-point field goals list with 120 three-point field goals. He passed Loren DeKruyf (1991-95), who had 119. With three more three-pointers, Marshall can pass Ryun Williams, who had 122 from 1990-92.

Top 10 Three-Point Artists - All-time 1. Ben Ries (1996-00) - 290 2. Mike Graves (1986-90) - 274 3. Jeremy Kudera (1997-2001) - 225 4. Randy Rosenquist (1990-94) - 209 5. Troy Terronez (1990-94) - 152 6. Bob Overland (1994-96) - 128 7. Ryun Williams (1990-92) - 122 8. Paul Marshall (2000 -- ) - 120 9. Loren DeKruyf (1991-95) - 119 10. John Brenegan (1989-93) - 104 John Hemenway (1992-96) -- 104

MUELLER CLOSING ON TOP 10 IN ASSISTS FOR SEASON: Josh Mueller has 148 assists, 6.4 per game, this season which is three away from 10th place in assists in a season. John Brenegan is 10th with 151 during the 1990-91 season. Mueller has the 12th best season total for assists, passing Sam Goodhope, who had 145 during the 1989-90 season. He is one assist behind Joe Hebert, who has the 11th best season with 149 during the 1996-97 season. Barry Glanzer is ninth with 153 during the 1981-82 season. Nate Tibbetts, who starred for the Coyotes from 1996-2000, has the two best assists seasons all-time. He had 216 in 1997-98 and 214 in 2000-01.

Top 10 Assists Season All-time

Nate Tibbetts (1999-00), 216 Nate Tibbetts (2000-01), 214 John Hemenway (1994-95), 197 Barry Glanzer (1979-80), 182 Rick Nissen (1974-75), 178 Brian McDermott (1976-77), 166 John Hemenway (1995-96), 165 Rick Nissen (1975-76), 164 Barry Glanzer (1981-82), 153 John Brenegan (1990-91), 151

MUELLER HAS BEST ASSIST TOTAL OF SEASON IN NCC/BREAKDOWN OF ROAD NCC GAMES: Josh Mueller's 16 assists vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2 is the best in the NCC this season.

BREAKING 80-POINT BARRIER: In 16 of 23 games this season, South Dakota has scored at least 78 points. The Coyotes have broken the 90-point barrier six times this season, including three wins in which they had over 100 points (100-36, Mount Senario, Nov. 26; 104-78, Western State, Dec. 1; Morningside, Jan. 19, 103-75).

OPPONENT INFORMATION

ON MORNINGSIDE: Morningside has a 3-20 record, including a 2-9 mark at home, 1-8 mark on the road and 0-3 on a neutral floor. In the NCC, they are 0-15, including a 0-7 record at home and 0-8 away. They were 3-5 in nonconference play. The Mustangs have been outscored 1,974 to 1,454 by opponents or 85.8 to 63.2 per game. Morningside has been outscored 997 to 628 in the first half and 977 to 826 in the second half. Morningside has hit 495 of 1,337 field goals for 37 percent, including 146 of 459 three-pointers for 31.8 percent. They have hit 318 of 463 free throws for 68.7 percent. The Mustangs have been rebounded, 40.3 to 36.5. They are averaging 9.9 assists, 19.8 turnovers, 7.1 steals and 1.8 blocked shots. Opponents have hit 702 of 1,466 field goals for 47.9 percent, including 197 of 499 three-point field goals for 39.5 percent. They have made 373 of 515 free throws for 72.4 percent.

ABOUT MORNINGSIDE HEAD COACH BOB BARGEN: Coach Bob Bargen came to Morningside in May 2001 to become the 19th head men's basketball coach in Morningside history. For the past eight seasons, he served as an assistant coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University where he helped lead the Plainsmen to the NCAA Division III National Tournament each of the past five years and to the school's first-ever appearance in the Division III National Championship Game in 1997. Prior to coaching at Nebraska Wesleyan he served for 10 years as an assistant coach at Doane College, where the school captured a NIAC championship in his final season there. Before joining the Tigers, Bargen was the head boys' basketball coach at Milford (Neb.) High School for 10 years. His Milford teams compiled a 171-59 record for a .743 winning percentage and won six conference championships. Bargen is a 1973 graduate of the University of Nebraska. He earned a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Nebraska in 1990.

MORE ON SOUTH DAKOTA SOUTH DAKOTA IN NCC STATS - South Dakota leads NCC schools in three individual categories, according to the most recent NCC statistics released this week by the conference office. In single game performances this season, Paul Marshall has the most made three-point field goals (eight vs. Western State, Dec. 1) and Josh Mueller has the top free throw percentage (11-11 vs. St. Cloud State on Dec. 7). Steve Anderson has the best rebounding performance with 22 in a win over Missouri Western on Nov. 21. Mueller's seven steals vs. North Dakota on Jan. 11 is the second best this season. In the team category, South Dakota has the best free throw shooting performance, making 13 of 13 vs. Northern Colorado on Jan. 4. The Coyotes have the most rebounds in a game (66) and steals (18) vs. Mount Senario on Nov. 26.

INDIVIDUAL STATS: Scoring: Josh Mueller, 4th, 17.9 ppg; Paul Marshall, 6th, 16.4 ppg; Jimmie Foster, 15th, 13.8 ppg; Field Goal Pct: Steve Anderson, 5th, 55.7 percent (73-131); Paul Marshall, 11th, 50.6 percent (136-269); Rebounding: Steve Anderson, 5th, 8.2 rpg; Jimmie Foster, 16th, 5.6 rpg; J.D. Roberts, 21th, 4.9 rpg; Offensive Rebounds: Steve Anderson, 2nd, 3.13 per game; Defensive Rebounds, Steve Anderson, 5th, 5.04 per game; Assists: Josh Mueller, 1st, 6.43 per game (148 assists); Free Throw Pct.: Josh Mueller, 4th, 83.7 percent (103-123); Paul Marshall, 10th, 81.4 percent (48-59); Blocked Shots: Steve Anderson, 5th, 1.04 per game (24); Scott Hansen, 6th, 0.90 (19); Steals: Josh Mueller, 1st, 2.22 per game (51); Jimmie Foster, 10th, 1.35 per game (31); 3-Point FG Pct.: Scott Hansen, 1st, 51.6 percent (32-62); Paul Marshall, 5th, 45.3 percent (58-128); 3-Point Field Goals Made, Paul Marshall, 5th, 2.52 per game (58); Josh Mueller, 8th, 2.13 per game (49); Assist/Turnover Ratio: Josh Mueller, 3rd, 1.90 ratio (148 assists, 78 turnovers)

TEAM STATS: Scoring Offense: 3rd, 83.4 per game; Scoring Defense: 3rd, 72.0; Scoring Margin: 3rd, 11.4 per game; Field Goal Percentage: 2nd, 48 percent (657-1,368); 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 3rd, 39.1 percent (184-471); Rebounding Offense: 6th, 37.5 per game; Free Throw Percentage: 4th, 75.4 percent (420-557); Field Goal Pct. Defense: 3rd, 41.7 percent (585-1,402); 3-Point FG Pct. Defense: 6th, 35.9 percent (180-502); Rebounding Defense: 4th, 35.2; Rebounding Margin, 5th, 2.3; Assists: 8th, 15.26 per game; Turnover Margin: 3rd, +2.39 (303 for South Dakota, 358 for opponents); Offensive Rebounds: 10th, 9.52 per game; 3-Point Field Goals Made: 4th, 8.0 per game; Blocked Shots: 3rd, 3.48 per game; Steals: 5th, 8.22 per game; Assist/Turnover Ratio: 2nd, 1.16 ratio (351 assists to 303 turnovers); Defensive Rebounds: 2nd, 28.00 per game.

IN NCC PLAY: Josh Mueller is third in scoring at 19.1 per game with Paul Marshall eighth at 15.7 ppg. Mueller leads the NCC in assists at 6.40 per game and is second in steals at 2.07 per game. He is sixth in made three-pointers with 33 or 2.20 per game. Steve Anderson is seventh in rebounding at 7.1 per game, fourth in field goal percentage at 58.7 (47-80), fourth in offensive rebounds at 2.53 per game, fourth in blocked shots at 1.20 per game and ninth in defensive rebounding at 4.53 per game. Scott Hansen leads the NCC in three-point field goal percentage at 56.5 (26-46).

SOUTH DAKOTA PLAYER PROFILES: PAUL MARSHALL: Marshall, a 6'1 shooting guard, scored a season high of 32 points vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2, 2002. He has a career high of 33 points against Northern Colorado on Jan. 6, 2001. This season, he has twice scored 27 points, including wins over Missouri Western (98-85) and Dakota Wesleyan (76-57). Marshall (Winnebago, Ill.), who is averaging 16.4 points per game, has hit 136 of 269 field goals for 50.6 percent, including 58 of 128 three-point field goals for 45.3 percent. He is 48 of 59 (81.4 percent) from the free throw line. In NCC play, Marshall is averaging 15.7 points, 1.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. Marshall, averaging 30.4 minutes, has scored in double figures in 16 games, including seven over 20 points (27, Missouri Western, Nov. 20; 26, Western State, Dec. 1; 25, Minnesota State-Mankato, Dec. 8; 27, Dakota Wesleyan, Dec. 16; and 26 points vs. SDSU, Dec. 30, 23, North Dakota). Marshall has one game over 30 points (32 vs. Northern Colorado, Feb. 2) He has a season high of eight rebounds vs. Dakota Wesleyan, Dec. 16. He has 120 three-pointers in his career at South Dakota, which is eighth on the Coyotes' all-time chart. JOSH MUELLER: Mueller (Hartford, S.D.), a 5'11 freshman point guard, is averaging 17.9 points per game. He leads the league in steals (2.21 per game) and assists (6.4 per game) while also pulling down 3.3 rebounds per game. Mueller has made 130 of 309 field goals for 42.1 percent and 49 of 154 three-point field goals for 31.8 percent. He has hit 103 of 123 free throws for 83.7 percent. Mueller is averaging 33.6 minutes per game. In NCC play, Mueller is averaging 17.9 points (4th in the NCC), 6.43 assists (1st in the NCC), 3.3 rebounds and 2.22 steals (1st in the NCC) per game. Mueller has made 31 of 107 three-point field goals for 30.8 percent and 80 of 94 free throws for 85.1 percent in NCC games. He scored a season and career high of 28 points vs. Augustana (90-73 win) on Dec. 29. He has reached double figure scoring in 19 of the 23 games. Mueller has 10 games over 20 points (23, 27, 20, 25, 28, 20, 27, 26, 25, and 26). He has a season high of 16 assists vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2, 2002. Mueller has a season and career high of seven steals vs. North Dakota, Jan. 11 at the DakotaDome. He hit a career high of six three-point field goals (eight attempts) vs. Nebraska-Omaha on Feb.1, 2002. He has three double doubles (points and assists) - 22 points and 10 rebounds vs. Morningside on Jan. 19 and 11 points and 16 assists vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2 at North Dakota on Feb. 9th 15 points and 10 assists. His 148 assists places him 12th all-time on the South Dakota seasonal chart. STEVE ANDERSON: Anderson (Rapid City, S.D.) is averaging 10.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Averaging 27.7 minutes per game, the 6'7 sophomore forward has hit 72 of 130 field goals for 55.4 percent and four of nine (44.4 percent) three-point field goals. He has now made 78 of 104 free throws for 75 percent. In NCC play, Anderson is scoring 10.0 points and grabbing 7.1 rebounds per game. Anderson has made 46 of 79 field goals for 58.2 percent in NCC play. In the win over Missouri Western (98-85), he tied a DakotaDome record with 22 rebounds. He opened the season with two consecutive double doubles (points and rebounds). He had 12 points and 22 rebounds vs. Missouri Western and 23 points (season and career high) and 10 rebounds vs. Minnesota-Morris (96-69 win) on Nov. 20. He has five double doubles, including 16 points and 14 rebounds vs. Morningside on Jan. 19. He has seven double-digit rebound games and he has scored in double figures on 12 occasions. JIMMIE FOSTER: An all-NCC performer in 2000-01, Foster (Milwaukee, Wisc.) is averaging 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 29.7 minutes per game. He has made 116 of 245 field goals for 47.3 percent. The 6'4 forward has made 13 of 46 from three-point range (28.3 percent) and 73 of 98 (74.5 percent) from the free throw line. In NCC play, Foster is averaging 14.3 points, 2.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds. He scored a season high 22 points in the Coyotes' 69-63 win over NDSU on Jan. 12. He scored 20 points vs. Nebraska-Omaha on Feb. 2, 2002, and also had 19 points in the 67-63 win over Northern Colorado on Jan. 4 and a 78-71 loss to Augustana on Jan. 26, 2002. He has scored in double figures 18 times, including 11 in a row. He has a season of nine rebounds vs. Southwest State on Nov. 30 and Augustana on Dec. 29. He scored a career high of 33 points vs. Nebraska-Omaha on Jan. 5, 2001 at the DakotaDome. J.D. ROBERTS: Roberts (Ponca, Neb.), who had season highs of 15 points and 13 rebounds in the 98-85 win over Missouri Western on Nov. 20, is averaging 5.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. A 6'6 power forward, Roberts has hit 49 of 89 field goals for 55.1 percent and 26 of 43 free throws for 60.5 percent. He is averaging 22.9 minutes per game. ERIC HOLMSTADT: The 6'9 sophomore forward/center is averaging 3.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Holmstadt (Monticello, Minn.) has hit 11 of 26 field goals for 42.3 percent and 25 of 28 free throws for 89.3 percent. He has a season high of 13 points and nine rebounds against Western State (104-78 win) on Dec. 1. He is averaging 7.4 minutes per game. LUKE TIBBETTS: A 6'3 freshman point guard, Tibbetts (Sioux Falls, S.D. ) is averaging 3.8 points 1.3 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game. He has hit 28 of 61 field goals for 45.9 percent and 24 of 38 free throws for 63.2 percent. He has made four of 14 three-point field goals. Tibbetts has a season high of 17 points in the win vs. Mount Senario (100-36) on Nov. 26. He is averaging 12.0 minutes per game. ERIC HICKENBOTTOM: A 6'6 senior guard/forward (Agency, Iowa), Hickenbottom is averaging 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He has hit 68 of 140 field goals for 48.6 percent and is 17 of 46 (37.0 percent) from three-point range. He has made 35 of 48 free throws for 72.9 percent. In NCC play, he is averaging 8.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. He is 15 of 32 for 46.9 percent from three-point range; 45 of 92 in field goals for 48.9 percent; and 20 of 26 for 76.9 percent from the free throw line in NCC games. He has a double double - 13 points and 11 rebounds in a 100-36 victory over Mount Senario on Nov. 26. He is averaging 20.7 minutes per game. He scored a season and career high of 21 points in the 86-73 win over NDSU on Friday, Feb. 8 in Fargo, N.D. SCOTT HANSEN: A 6'7 senior forward (Coleridge, Neb.), he is averaging 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He has made 39 of 77 field goals for 50.6 percent and 32 of 62 for 51.6 percent from three-point range. In NCC games only, Hansen has made 30 of 55 field goals for 54.5 percent. Hansen is 26 of 46 for 56.5 percent from the three-point line in NCC play. He has a season high of 16 points vs. Morningside on Jan. 19. He grabbed a season of 10 rebounds vs. Mount Senario on Nov. 26. He is averaging 18 minutes per game. He had a career-high 25 points vs. Minnesota-Morris in November, 2000. DANIEL TUMIS: A 6'8 junior forward (Tomball, Texas), Tumis is averaging 1.7 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. He is averaging 3.8 minutes. Tumis has made six of 15 field goals for 40 percent, including six of 11 three-point baskets for 54.5 percent. He is 2-2 from the free throw line. Tumis has a season high of six points vs. Simpson College on Dec. 21. Twice, he has grabbed a season high of four rebounds (Minnesota-Morris, Nov. 21; and Mount Senario, Nov. 26). CHRIS KASSIN: A 6'1 senior guard (Huron, S.D.), is averaging 0.3 points and 0.3 rebounds per game. He is averaging 2.4 minutes per game, hitting one of six field goals and one of four free throws. He has three rebounds and one assist.

ON COACH BOOTS: Dave Boots has recorded the most wins in the history of Coyote basketball as he has a 288-111 (.722) mark at South Dakota. Boots, who begins his 14th season at the Coyote helm, is one of the most respected coaches in the North Central Conference and NCAA Division II. Overall, he has been a collegiate head coach for 20 years, recording a 403-174 (.698) record. He is 166-82 for 668 percent in NCC games. He has the 18th best winning percentage among active coaches in Division II. His 386-165 mark in Division II ranks him 21st among active coaches. Against North Dakota State on Jan. 12, 2002, Coach Boots guided South Dakota to its 1,000 all-time win in men's basketball since the program began 92 years ago.

On Jan. 19, 2002, Coach Boots recorded his 400th career win in a 103-75 win against Morningside College at Allee Gym in Sioux City, Iowa. Boots, an assistant athletic director at USD, has led the Coyotes to five NCC titles, two North Central Region crowns and back-to-back trips to the NCAA Division II Elite 8 National Tournament (1992-94). The Coyotes who are consistently ranked in the NCAA Division II Top-20 poll have never had a losing season under Boots. Five times, including the 2001-02 season, he has been NCC Coach of the Year and three times, he was Kodak District Coach of the Year. South Dakota has averaged 21 wins over the past 13 seasons, which is remarkable in that South Dakota had not experienced a winning season since 1978-79 prior to his arrival at South Dakota in 1989. The 13 consecutive winning seasons is the longest streak of success in the proud history of South Dakota basketball. The Coyotes have won more games in the past 13 years (271) than the previous 20 years combined. Before coming to South Dakota, Boots guided Augsburg (Minn.) College to a pair of Minnesota Intercollegiate Conference titles. A native of North Branch, Minn., he constructed a 100-56 record at Augsburg, winning conference titles in 1983-84 (19-7, 17-3) and 1984-85 (21-7, 18-2). A 1979 graduate of Augsburg, he earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1982. As a senior at Augsburg during the 1978-79 season, Boots was named team captain, MVP, MIAC all-conference and all-District 13. He still holds the MIAC single-season free throw percentage record (.971) and Augsburg's career free throw percentage (.881). His 1984-85 Augsburg team advanced to the NCAA Division III south regional. He and his wife Peggy has two sons Nathan, 16, and Jordan, 12.