VERMILLION, S.D. (Jan. 24, 2005)--The game got out of hand early as the South Dakota women's basketball team (13-6) led 32-15 at halftime, before taking a 63-42 victory over NCAA Division II Independent Upper Iowa (6-12) at the DakotaDome tonight.

After Upper Iowa knocked in the first bucket and took a 4-2 lead, USD went on a 11-0 run over the next 6:23 to take a 13-4 lead on a pair of free throws from freshman Ashley Robinette (South Sioux City, Neb.) at 11:59. From there, the Coyotes led by as many as the halftime margin, 17 to finish out the half.

In the second half, USD was able to go up by as many as 28, 59-31, on a lay-up by Robinette at 4:29.

South Dakota placed three players in double figures to lead the charge, led by sophomore Jenni Flynn (South Sioux City, Neb.) who scored over 10 for the 30th time in her career by pouring in 16 points to lead all scorers. Meghan Woster (Sioux Falls, S.D.) was close behind with 15, while Janielle Bryan (Bellevue, Neb.) tied a career-high with 11.

USD shot 52% in the first half and cooled off significantly in the second half to finish at 35.6% (21-of-59) for the game. The Coyotes connected on 8-of-26 (30.8%) behind the three-point line, while making 86.7% (13-of-15) at the free throw line.

Upper Iowa, who shot 29.2% (14-of-48) from the field, struggled to get shots off as they consistently ran the shot clock under 10 seconds before getting off a desperate shot or turning the ball over. The Peacocks finished the game with 20 turnovers.

Mandi Drees led Upper Iowa with 14 points, while Sara Best added 10.

The Coyotes ended the game with a 42-37 rebound margin.

South Dakota will return to NCC action on Saturday, Jan. 29, when they take on the Minnesota State Mavericks at 6 p.m. in Mankato, Minn.