VERMILLION, S.D. -- Despite a career-high 22 points from Brittany Bessert, the 18th-ranked South Dakota Coyotes (5-2) dropped a 64-51 nonconference women's basketball decision to Southwest Minnesota State (7-0) before 1,075 in attendance on the second day of the South Dakota Basketball Classic held at the DakotaDome on Saturday.

Southwest Minnesota State finished the tournament with a 2-0 record while the host Coyotes were 1-1.

Bessert, originally of Fort Collins, Colo., hit 9-of-16 field goals, including one three-pointer and three free throws, and pulled down five rebounds and had two assists. Meghan Woster, a senior from Sioux Falls, S.D., had a career-best 12 assists with a pair of blocks and a steal. Sophomore Jenni Flynn of South Sioux City, Iowa, also hit double figures with 13 points, including three (six attempts) three-point field goals. Senior Kayla Jacobs of Watertown, S.D., had a season-best 11 points, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.

South Dakota, which still owns the overall series lead with Southwest Minnesota State at 10-7, lost for the first time at home this season.

The Coyotes hit 20-of-55 field goals for 36.4 percent, including 7-of-21 from three-point range. USD's failure to get to the foul line proved costly. USD made 4-of-6 free throws while Southwest Minnesota State hit 14-of-17 free throws for 82.4 percent. The Mustangs made 24-of-58 field goals for 41.4 percent but just 2-of-9 from three-point range.

SMSU's Regan French had a team-high 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Michelle Bruns had a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Kristin Hairston had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Mustangs.

USD jumped on top early in the game after a jumper by Jacobs gave the Coyotes a 4-0 lead with 18:23 left in the opening half. USD still led 15-13 on a three-pointer by Flynn with 7:39 left in the half. The lead changed hands several times before SMSU took a 23-21 lead on a jumper by Alaura Sharp at the 3:17 mark. After a three-poin ter by Bessert gave USD a 24-23 lead with 2:02 to play, Hairston's layup put SMSU in front 25-24 with 46 seconds left in the half. USD took a lead into halftime when Bessert was fouled as the clock ran out and the junior knocked home both free throws for a 26-25 lead at the break.

The teams continued to trade punches in the second half before the Mustangs pulled away late in the game. A lay-up by Flynn gave USD a 35-32 lead with 15:59 to play.

Later, SMSU took a 46-39 lead when Kelsey Wells hit a jumper. USD drew within 46-43 on a basket by Bessert. SMSU built the lead back to 52-46 with 5:26 left. Then, Yanez hit a three-pointer as USD pulled within 52-49 at the 5:12 mark. From that point, the Mustangs outscored USD, 14-2, to close the game and earn its second straight win over the Coyotes at the DakotaDome.

Next for South Dakota is a matchup with Mount Mercy on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the DakotaDome.