VERMILLION, S.D. - The University of South Dakota women's basketball team used strong defense and outstanding long range shooting in winning their 16th straight game with a 72-39 decision over Minnesota-Duluth on Thursday at the DakotaDome.

The Coyotes, ranked No. 1 in the region and fourth in NCAA Division II, improved to 18-1 overall. At 4-0, the Coyotes remained in first place in the North Central Conference. The U's 18-1 record is the best 19-game total in school history.

South Dakota has opened 4-0 in the NCC for the first time since the 2002-03 team had a 6-0 start in league play. USD can now tie the school record for consecutive wins at 17 (1983-84 team) when they host Minnesota State at 6 p.m. on Saturday night.

With the loss, the Bulldogs dropped to 4-16 overall and 1-5 in NCC play.

South Dakota featured a balanced attack with 11 players scoring against Minnesota-Duluth. Both Jeana Hoffman (Sr., Mitchell, S.D.) and Bridget Yoerger (Jr., Hinton, Iowa) had 11 points to lead the Coyotes. Hoffman hit a pair of three-point baskets for the 18th time in 19 outings this season. She also reached double digits for the 49th time in her career. Yoerger, who also had five rebounds and three assists, scored in double digits for the 53rd time of her career.

Shannon Daly (Sr., Groton S.D.) chipped in with 10 points, three assists and two steals in just 22 minutes of work. USD also received nine points from Maggie Youngberg (Jr., Yankton, S.D.), who was 3-of-4 from three-point range. Point guard Jenna Hoffman (Sr., Mitchell, S.D.) had eight points, five rebounds, four steals, three assists and two blocked shots. In addition, freshman Amber Hegge (Crofton, Neb.) contributed five points, a team-high six rebounds along with three steals and a blocked shot.

Overall, The U connected on 25-of-59 field goals for 42.4 percent, including 11-of-27 for 40.7 percent from three point range. USD was 11-of-18 (61.1 percent) from the foul line. The Coyotes had at least 10 three-point field goals for the 10th time this season. In the past two seasons, South Dakota is 19-2 when making 10 or more 3-point field goals in a game. The Coyotes also won their 32nd straight game when leading at halftime.

To go with their long range artistry, South Dakota's defense played a huge role in the win over the Bulldogs. The Coyotes forced UMD into 26 turnovers, recorded 17 steals and had four blocked shots. In addition, the Coyotes limited the Bulldogs to just 29.6 percent from the field (16-of-54), including 10 percent (2-of-20) from three-point range. The Bulldogs, who were led in scoring by Katy Freeman with 15 points, were 5-of-8 from the foul line.

After scoring just two points in the opening four minutes of the first half, the Coyotes took control of the game. Youngberg hit a three-pointer at the 12:18 mark to give The U an 11-10 advantage. From that point, USD took off on a 22-2 run over the next 10 minutes for a 33-13 lead with 1:45 to play in the first half. South Dakota led 35-17 at the halftime break.

After UMD scored the first basket of the second half, the Coyotes answered with a 20-4 run and led 55-23 with 11:03 to play in the game. The Coyotes continued its surge as Jasmine Mosley (So., Bellevue, Neb.) scored on a driving lay-up and converted a free throw as The U built a 69-28 lead with 6:31 left in the game.