The 18th-ranked South Dakota men's basketball team (15-1, 2-0 NCC) will host 23-ranked Nebraska-Omaha (15-3, 1-2 NCC) on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. in the DakotaDome, before traveling to Duluth, Minn. to take on NCC newcomer Minnesota Duluth (9-10, 1-3 NCC) at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22. The Coyotes will come back from the weekend to host NCAA Division II independent Upper Iowa (3-13) at 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24.

The Coyotes lead the all-time series against UNO, 44-35, while Dave Boots is 25-9 against the Mavericks since he came to USD in 1988.

Last season, USD squared off with UNO four times, with each team winning on each other's home court in the regular season. In the postseason, the Coyotes fell to the Mavericks in the NCC tournament, 82-70, but turned around and knocked off UNO, 82-71, in the NCAA Regional tournament.

South Dakota and Minnesota Duluth are tied 1-1 in their all-time series. UMD won the last meeting, 110 to 101 in overtime at the Augustana Classic last season.

This will be the first meeting ever between USD and Upper Iowa.

Probable Starters

South Dakota (15-1, 2-0 NCC) Ht. Wt. Yr. PPG RPG

G 3 David Nour 6-1 215 Jr. 10.9 1.9

G 5 Josh Mueller 5-11 185 Sr. 18.6 4.2

F 30 Turner Trofholz 6-8 235 Jr. 19.6 7.5

F 32 Aaron Green 6-4 205 Sr. 11.2 5.4

C 52 Steve Anderson 6-7 240 Sr. 8.1 6.9

UNO (15-3, 1-2 NCC) Ht. Wt. Yr. PPG RPG

G 4 Calvin Kapels 6-4 180 Jr. 10.8 6.3

G 11 Abdul Mills 6-4 195 Sr. 12.9 3.1

F 33 Andre Tarpley 6-3 200 Sr. 9.3 2.3

F 50 Ryan Curtis 6-7 205 Jr. 10.8 7.1

C 30 Chris DeSpain 6-8 230 Jr. 7.9 6.9

UMD (9-10, 1-3 NCC) Ht. Wt. Yr. PPG RPG

G 4 Ryan Breidenbach 6-1 190 So. 6.8 4.1

G 24 Sean Seaman 6-6 210 Jr. 17.3 3.2

F 20 John Emerson 6-5 215 Jr. 16.1 2.3

F 34 Bryan Foss 6-7 205 So. 10.8 7.6

C 42 John Vaudreuil 6-7 235 Fr. 9.8 4.1

Upper Iowa (3-13) Ht. Wt. Yr. PPG RPG

G 12 Marcus Uhlenhopp 5-10 160 Fr. 4.5 2.5

G 21 Eric Ritter 6-1 175 Jr. 12.6 3.8

G 22 Aaron Carter 5-8 190 Sr. 8.7 1.3

F 3 Ernest Addae 6-5 210 Jr. 7.9 9.1

F 44 John Banks 6-6 210 Sr. 16.9 6.8

About Nebraska-Omaha

The Nebraska-Omaha men (15-3, 1-2 NCC) enter this week's play following two straight losses to NCC foe North Dakota (78-73 in Omaha, Neb. on Jan. 8 and 73-60 at Grand Forks on Jan. 14). Prior to the losses to North Dakota, UNO had won 12 straight since its loss at Division I foe Colorado State, 68-64 (Nov. 24).

The Mavericks are scoring 74.5 points per game and allowing 65.2. They are shooting 45% from the field and 34.9% from behind the arc. UNO has converted 62.2% of its free throws and outrebounded the opposition, 40.2 to 34.1 per game.

Abdul Mills leads the team in scoring at 12.9 points per game, while Ryan Curtis is the top rebounder at 7.1 per game. Curtis and point guard Calvin Kapels are each averaging 10.8 points per game.

Head coach Kevin McKenna has posted an 81-30 mark over four seasons at UNO.

About Minnesota Duluth

The Bulldogs men's basketball team (9-10, 1-3 NCC) has found the going tough in its first season as a member of the NCC. UMD has fallen twice to Minnesota State, and in its only meeting so far with St. Cloud State (75-51, Jan. 8). The lone conference victory came against Augustana, 71-51 on Jan. 14.

UMD is averaging 74.4 points per game, while allowing 70.6 per contest. The Bulldogs are connecting on 46.2% of their field goals and 39.9% of their three-pointers. From the free throw line, they have made 70.4% of their attempts. UMD is outrebounding its opponents by a 3.4 rebound per game margin, 36.4 to 33.0.

Sean Seaman leads the team with 17.3 points per game, while leading the league in three-point shooting at 52% (39-of-75). John Emerson and Bryan Foss are averaging 16.1 and 10.8 points per game, respectively. UMD has struggled to find other scorers outside of this trio so far. Foss is the leading rebounder at 7.5 per game.

Gary Holquist is in his seventh season as head coach at Minnesota Duluth. He holds a 112-85 overall record after taking over for Dale Race who was at UMD for 14 seasons.

About Upper Iowa

The Upper Iowa men's squad (3-13) is in its first season at the Division II level is coming off a 74-64 win over St. Ambrose (Jan. 17). The victory was the Peacocks first since its second game of the season when they defeated Incarnate Word, 63-60. Last season, Upper Iowa participated at the Division III level as a member of the Iowa Conference.

Upper Iowa is averaging 59.3 points per game and allowing 76.6. The Peacocks are shooting 37.1% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range. They have converted 65.3% of their free throws this season and been outrebounded 41.9 to 32.8 on average per game.

John Banks leads the squad in scoring at 16.8 points per game, while Ernest Addae is the top rebounder at 8.8 per contest. Eric Ritter is the remaining Peacock averaging in double figures at 12.6 points per game.

Dave Martin is in his fifth season as head coach and holds a 40-75 record.

A Look at the South Dakota Men's Team

A game into the NCC season, the Coyotes boast a 15-1 overall record (2-0 NCC), which is one of the best starts in school history. The 1999-00 team started 17-0 and is the best start in USD history. Currently, the Coyotes are averaging 86.9 points per game and limiting their opponents to 69.8. In terms of points scored, the Coyotes own a 1,391 to 1,116 scoring advantage. In the first half alone, USD has a 694 to 506 advantage. They have also outrebounded the opposition 592 to 528, or 37.0 to 33.0 per game.

As a team, South Dakota is shooting 51.5% (481-of-934) from the field, including 129-of-302 (42.7%) from behind the three-point arc, both of which top the NCC charts. At the charity stripe, USD is knocking down 74.6% (300-of-402) of its free throws. USD's ability to pound the ball inside has translated to 161 more free throws than its opponents.

Individually, the Coyotes are led by Turner Trofholz (Schuyler, Neb.) at 19.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He is shooting 65.8% (121-of-184) from the field, which ranks him seventh in the nation. Joining him in the front court is Steve Anderson (Rapid City, S.D.), who is averaging 8.1 points and grabbing 6.9 rebounds per game. Anderson, who is shooting 64% (48-of-75), leads the team in blocks with 27 (1.7 per game).

In the backcourt, Josh Mueller (Hartford, S.D.) is leading the charge at 18.6 points per game. He leads the NCC in assists with 90 (5.63/gm) and is shooting 87.2% (68-of-78) from the free throw line. Mueller is fourth in the NCC in three-point shooting at 45.9% (45-of-98). Junior David Nour (Armour, S.D.) averages 10.9 points per game, 3.2 assists and has 26 steals (1.6 per game). Nour is converting 47.6% (31-of-67) of his three-pointers this season to put him third in the NCC.

Rounding out USD's starting five, is senior Aaron Green (Indianpolis, Ind.), who is scoring 11.2 points per game and averaging 5.4 rebounds per contest. He is shooting 85.4% (35-of-41) from the free throw line.

Head coach Dave Boots, who is in his 17th season, improved to 346-134 since coming to USD in 1988. Boots' career mark is 461-197. Boot's teams are 97-1 in home nonconference regular season games, including 81 straight.

South Dakota Head Coach Dave Boots

Seventeen years ago, Dave Boots took over a struggling program and, in short fashion, molded it into one of the best in NCAA Division II.

Since his arrival at The University of South Dakota in 1988, Boots has recorded the most wins ever by a head men's basketball coach, posting a 346-134 record (.721).

Named USD's 15th head coach in April 1988, Boots has been selected North Central Conference Coach of the Year five times and named Kodak District Coach of the Year three times.

One of the most respected coaches in the NCC and NCAA Division II, he has been a collegiate head coach for 23 years, posting a record of 451-197 (.701).

Boots, who also serves as assistant athletic director at USD, has led South Dakota to five NCC championships (1992-93, 1993-94, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01), two North Central Region crowns (1992-93, 1993-94) and and two appearences in the NCAA Division II Elite 8 National Tournament (1992-93, 1993-94).

The Coyotes, who consistently have been ranked among the Top-25 in Division II, have never had a losing season under Boots. Over the last 17 years, South Dakota has averaged 20 wins per year.

North Central Regional Rankings (Jan. 19, 2005) 1. Minnesota State-Mankato (17-1) 2. Metropolitan State (14-0) 3. Fort Lewis (11-2) 4. South Dakota (15-1) 5. North Dakota (16-4) 6. Nebraska-Omaha (15-3) 7. St. Cloud State (14-3) 8. Northern State (12-3) 9. Nebraska-Kearney (11-3) 10. Colorado Christian (12-2)

Nour Named NCC Co-Player of the Week

Sioux Falls, S.D. (Jan. 17, 2005)--Junior David Nour (Armour, S.D.) of the South Dakota men's basketball team, has been named the North Central Conference Co-Player of the Week, according to an announcement released from the league office Jan. 17.

Nour, a 6-1 guard, sparked a second-half run that allowed the Coyotes to break away from a 53-53 tie and defeat North Dakota, 89-69, on Saturday (Jan. 15).

After scoring five points in the first half, Nour exploded for 18 in the second half to finish with season-high 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting (72.7%) from the field. Nour converted 5-of-7 (71.4%) three-pointers and both of his free throw attempts. He also finished with a season-high five rebounds, in addition to three assists and a steal.

Steve Trull of St. Cloud State shared the award with Nour.

Coyotes in National Stats

The NCAA Division II national statistics were released on Jan. 18, 2005, and the South Dakota men's basketball team were ranked in the top-ten in three categories, three team and one individual. As a team, USD is fifth in the nation in field-goal percentage (51.5%) and ninth in the country in three-point field goal percentage (42.7%). The Coyotes are also 10th in scoring margin (+17.2). USD ranks 12th in Division II in scoring offense at 86.9 points per game

Individually, junior foward Turner Trofholz (Schuyler, Neb.) ranks seventh in the country in field-goal percentage at 65.8%.

NABC/Division II Coaches Poll (Jan 18, 2005)

No. School Record Points

1 Metro State (Colo.) 14-0 200

2 Virginia Union 12-1 189

3 Minnesota State 17-1 185

4 Bentley (Mass.) 16-2 171

5 SIU-Edwardsville 15-2 165

6 Findlay (Ohio) 14-2 150

7 West Georgia 14-2 150

8 Indiana (Pa.) 14-2 135

9 Kennesaw State (Ga.) 12-2 125

10 Central Arkansas 13-2 112

11 Seattle Pacific 12-3 104

12 Bowie State (Md.) 12-2 100

13 Texas A&M-Comm. 13-3 99

14 Pittsburg State (Kan.) 13-2 98

15 Edinboro (Pa.) 14-2 84

16 Alaska-Fairbanks 11-4 74

17 SW Okla. State 13-2 64

18 South Dakota 15-1 53

19 CS-San Bernardino 12-2 50

20 Fort Lewis (Colo.) 11-2 49

21 Central Missouri State 12-3 42

22 St. Anslem (N.H.) 13-2 39

23 Nebraska-Omaha 15-3 30

24 Hawaii-Hilo 16-2 28

25 Grand Valley State 11-4 18

Others Receiving Votes: Lynn (Fla.), 16; South Carolina Upstate, 16; St. Rose (N.Y.), 14; Florida Gulf Coast, 11; Ferris State (Mich.), 10; Emporia State (Kan. ), 8; Mount Olive (N.C.), 7; Michigan Tech, 5; Gannon (Pa.), 3; Barry (Fla.), 1.

USD's Last Time Out

USD 89, North Dakota 69

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Jan. 15, 2004)--The South Dakota men's basketball team improved to 15-1 on the season and remained atop the North Central Conference at 2-0, with an impressive 89-69 win over North Dakota (16-4, 2-1 NCC). It was UND's first loss of the conference season after taking a pair from Nebraska-Omaha.

USD led the entire way and averted two second-half ties in going 2-0 in the NCC for the first time since the 2000-01 season

The first half started with a three-pointer from senior Josh Mueller (Hartford, S.D.) at 19:40, giving the Coyotes a quick 3-0 lead as he scored USD's first six points, before Turner Trofholz (Schuyler, Neb.) recorded a dunk at 17:10, to give the Coyotes an 8-4 lead.

USD went up 41-33 at halftime thanks to 15 first half points from Trofholz and 13 in the first period from Mueller. USD shot 45.5% (15-of-33) from the field and went 7-of-8 (87.5%) at the charity stripe in the first half.

Both teams shot 40% (4-of-10) from three-point in the first half, while UND was 14-of-38 (36.8%) from the field. A major difference was that UND had just one attempt at the free throw line, which they made compared to the Coyotes eight.

The USD defense, meanwhile, held the North Dakota starters to 22 first half points and generated four steals.

In the second half, things got tight as UND went on a 17-9 run to tie the game at 50 at 13:50. The Coyotes called a time out before the teams exchanged treys to tie the game at 53 at 13:05 left in the game.

The rest of the way was all USD as they went on a 25-9 to take a 75-59 lead at 7:17 on one of David Nour's (Armour, S.D.) three-pointers. After scoring five points in the first half, Nour finished with 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-7 from behind the three-point line. After Nour's three, UND could get no closer than 13.

As a team, USD shot 50.8% (31-of-61) from the field, including 9-of-17 (52.9%) from three-point land. For the second game in a row the Coyotes missed just one free throw, finishing 18-of-19 for 94.7%. South Dakota also won the rebounding battle, 40-33.

Trofholz was one of three for USD to finish with more than 20 points, as he scored 28. Mueller finished just shy of a triple-double as he had 20 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

North Dakota shot 41.4% (29-of-70) from the field, including 8-of-20 (40.0%) from three-point land. At the free throw line, UND converted 3-of-4 (75%).

UND was led by Evan Lindahl with 17, while Caro Nobles chipped in 15 and Keith Parks, the reigning NCC player of the week had 10 - all in the second half.

Nonconference Streak in Tact

With a 94-65 win over Doane, USD has won 80 straight nonconference (regular season) home games at the DakotaDome dating back to the 1991-92 season. In the third game of that season, the Coyotes fell in overtime to Gustavus Adolphus, 91-85, at the DakotaDome.

Dave Boots is 97-1 in home nonconference regular season games since he came to South Dakota in 1988.

In all, USD has won 46 of its last 53 (.868) regular season nonconference games.

Mueller Moves to Third in Career Three-point Field Goals

Senior point guard Josh Mueller (Hartford, S.D.) recently passed Jeremy Kudera (1997-01) for third place all-time in career three-point field goals made. Mueller now has 243 in his career, surpassing Kudera's mark of 225. Mike Graves (1986-90) is next in line at 274. The leader is Ben Ries (1996-00) who had 290. Mueller's Rsum ~1st all-time in career assists with 743 ~1st in career steals with 226 ~3rd in career three-point field goals with 243 ~4th in career scoring with 1,669 points ~Three of top-10 single season assist marks (1st, 246 in 2003-04; 2nd, 227 in 2002-03; 7th, 180 in 2001-02) ~84 career double digit scoring games ~21 double digit assist games ~20 double-doubles ~career-high 36 points (Tampa, Fla., 11/28/03) ~career-high seven three-pointers in a game (Tampa, Fla., 11/28/03) ~career-high 16 assists (Northern Colorado, 2/2/02)

Anderson 2nd All-Time in Blocked Shots at South Dakota

Senior Steve Anderson (Rapid City, S.D.) has added 26 blocked shots in 16 games this season (1.63/gm., 2nd in NCC) to give him a total of 131 for his career. He moved into second-place on the all-time blocked shots list at USD, a mark previously held by Mike Kloth, 120 (1990-94). The all-time mark of 182 was set by Tim Hatchett (1986-1990).

This season, Anderson is averaging 8.1 points per game and pulling down 6.9 rebounds per contest. He is shooting 64.0% (48-of-75) from the field, which is third in the NCC in field goal shooting.

Anderson recorded his career-high in points, with 24 in the win over Wayne State on Dec. 10. He posted a career-high 22 rebounds against Missouri Western State back on Nov. 20, 2001. This season he has reached double figures in rebounds four times.

Trofholz Providing Presence in the Paint

Junior Turner Trofholz (Schuyler, Neb.) has been a dominate force in in the paint this season, reaching double figures in points in all 16 games this season and eight times has scored more than 20 points. He is averaging team-highs in both points, 19.6 per game, and rebounds at 7.5 per game. He is coming off a career-high 28 points in USD's 89-69 win at North Dakota.

He has had four double-doubles this season, giving him 10 in his career. He scored 19 points and and added 10 rebounds in the Coyotes, 105-94, double overtime win over Colorado School of Mines, and 22 points and 11 rebounds in the 98-53 win over William Penn. He had a 22-point 11-rebound double double in the 89-72 victory over Concordia-St. Paul. Against Augustana in the NCC opener he scored 18 points and grabbed 11 boards.

One of Trofholz's most impressive feats came against then fifth-ranked Western Washington, when he scored 21 points in just 13 minutes of play. He played just 58 seconds in the first half after picking up two quick fouls.

Currently, the 6-8 forward is shooting 65.8% from the field on 121-of-184 attempts, which ranks him second in the NCC. He has also converted 72-of-91 (79.1%) of his free throws. To his credit, Trofholz has 15 steals, 12 assists and eight blocked shots.

Transfers Nour and Green Providing a Spark

Transfers Aaron Green (Indianapolis, Ind.) and David Nour (Armour, S.D.) have started every game this season and become very aclimated to playing with their new teammates.

The duo have combined to average 22.1 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per contest. They have scored in double figures in the same game four times. Both are shooting over 45% from both the field and three-point land, as well as over 75% from the free throw line.

Tibbetts Back to Full Strength

After sitting out all but seven games of last season and the first three games of this season, senior guard Luke Tibbetts (Sioux Falls, S.D.) is as healthy as ever and proving it on the court. Tibbetts has played in 13 games this season and is averaging 6.7 points per game. He has reached double figures on five accounts this season (MSU-Moorhead, 12; William Penn, 11; Western Washington 11; Winona State, 16; Doane, 13). His presence is being felt as much on the defensive end as it is on the offensive end. He has recorded 21 steals (1.6/gm) and helped the Coyotes hold its opponents to just 69.8 points per game and a 42.7% field goal percentage. From the field, Tibbetts is shooting 63.8% (30-of-47) and made 24-of-33 (72.7%) from the free throw line. He also has pulled down 32 rebounds (2.5 per game) and recorded 35 assists (2.7 per game).

Little Making a Big Impact

True freshman Dustin Little (Castlewood, S.D.) has played in 16 games as a member of the South Dakota men's basketball team and has made an immediate impact with his sharp shooting. After scoring nine points in the season opener against South Dakota Tech (Nov. 20), Little had his best game as a Coyote in USD's win over Colorado School of Mines. In that game, he scored 21 points on six-of-six shooting from the field, including five three-pointers. One of those trey's was a bank-in shot at the buzzer to tie the game at 92-92 to send the game into the second overtime, where the Coyotes outscored the Orediggers, 13-2, to take a 105-94 win.

Little had his second-straight double figure scoring game with 10 points in USD's, 80-68, win over Truman State on Nov. 27. Against Southwest Minnesota State, he chipped in with five points, two against MSU-Moorhead, and nine against Dana. Recently, he poured in 17 points in the Coyotes win over William Penn. Little also had 11 in the Coyotes win over 5th-ranked Western Washington and 14 in the NCC opener over Augustana.

On the season, Little is averaging 7.3 points per game and shooting 46.8% (36-of-77) from the field. He is second in the NCC in three-point field goal percentage at 46.6% (27-of-58). Little has made 73.9% (17-of-23) of his free throws.

South Dakota Media Notes Postgame Policies All interviews with coaches and student-athletes must be coordinated through Assistant Sports Information Director Ryan Streit, at least a day in advance. Following games, the USD locker room is closed to the media. Upon request, players will be available on the playing floor following a brief cooling off period. Coach Boots will be available following his post-game radio show on press row. Requests for players and coaches should be directed to Streit or Sports Information Director Dan Genzler, midway through the second half.

Media Access/Services Working media members will be seated on press row, which is located along the west side of the court. Auxilliary seating will be in the football press box, which is located on the top east side of the DakotaDome. Media guides, weekly releases and current statistics will be available on press row. Credential requests should be submitted to Assistant SID Ryan Streit at least a day in advance.

Coyotes on the Air The South Dakota men's basketball games this weekend can be heard on AM 1570 ESPN Radio/1570 the Ticket or Mix 106.3 FM, Vermillion/Yankton, S.D. The broadcasts will also be available on the internet at www.usdcoyotes.com and on Teamline at 1-800-846-4700 (team coad: 6056) on a pay to listen basis. Kevin Culhane and Lane Grindle will call the action for the Coyote Sports Network.

Coyotes High in NCC Stat Charts Entering the 2004-05 NCC season, the South Dakota men's basketball team is already topping numerous statistical charts in the North Central Conference, both as a team and individually. USD leads in four team and two individual stat categories. TEAM MARKS ~field goal percentage--51.5%, 1st. ~turnover margin--+2.31, 2nd. ~three-point field goal percentage--42.7%, 1st. ~steals--9.19, 1st. ~three-point field goals made--8.06, 2nd. ~free throw percentage--74.6%, 2nd. ~scoring margin--+17.2 ppg, 2nd. ~scoring offense--86.9 points per game, 2nd. ~rebounding defense--33.0, 2nd. ~blocked shots--3.44, 3rd. ~assists--15.69, 3rd. ~defensive rebounds--27.19, 3rd. ~field goal percentage defense--42.7%, 5th. ~scoring defense--69.8 points per game, 5th. ~assist/turnover ratio--1.18, 5th. ~rebounding offense--37, T-5th. ~rebounding margin--+4.0, 5th ~three-point field goal percentage defense--36.3%, 5th. ~offensive rebounds--9.81, 7th.

INDIVIDUAL MARKS ~scoring--Turner Trofholz, 19.6, 2nd; Josh Mueller, 18.6, 3rd; Aaron Green, 11.2, 16th; David Nour, 10.9, 17th; Steve Anderson, 8.1, 29th. ~rebounding--Turner Trofholz, 7.5, 3rd; Steve Anderson, 6.9, 5th; Aaron Green, 5.4, 10th; Josh Mueller, 4.2, 20th. ~field goal percentage--Turner Trofholz, 65.8%, 2nd; Steve Anderson, 64%, 3rd; David Nour, 47.6%, 15th. ~assists--Josh Mueller, 5.63, 1st; David Nour, 3.19, 8th; Luke Tibbetts, 2.69, 13th. ~free throw percentage-- Josh Mueller, 87.2%, 2nd; Aaron Green, 85.4%, 3rd; Turner Trofholz, 79.1%, 7th. ~steals--Josh Mueller, 2.13, 2nd; David Nour, 1.63, 6th; Luke Tibbetts, 1.62, 7th. ~three-point percentage--Dustin Little, 46.6%, 2nd; David Nour, 46.3%, 3rd; Josh Mueller, 45.9%, 4th. ~three-point field goals made per game--Josh Mueller, 2.81, 2nd; David Nour, 1.94, 8th; Dustin Little, 1.69, 11th. ~blocked shots--Steve Anderson, 1.69, 2nd; Brock Seim, 0.56, T-10th; Turner Trofholz, 0.50, 13th. ~assist/turnover ratio--David Nour, 1.89, 8th; Josh Mueller, 1.30, 11th. ~offensive rebounds--Turner Trofholz, 2.88, 1st; Steve Anderson, 2.25, 6th. ~defensive rebounds--Turner Trofholz, 4.64, T-5th; Steve Anderson, 4.64, T-5th; Aaron Green, 4.06, 9th; Josh Mueller, 3.69, 12th.