OMAHA, NEB. - Jeana Hoffman scored 21 points to lead The University of South Dakota women's basketball team to their school-record 18th consecutive win with a 78-66 decision over Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday afternoon at Sapp Fieldhouse in Omaha, Neb.

With the victory, the Coyotes improved to 20-1 overall and lead the North Central Conference with a 6-0 record. Nebraska-Omaha dropped to 16-7 overall and 2-5 in the NCC.

USD has put together their best 21-game record in school history. Ranked No. 1 in the North Central Region, The U matched the 2002-03 team for the Coyotes' best-ever start in league play at 6-0. The 18-game winning streak by the Coyotes broke the school record of 17 consecutive wins by the 1983-84 team.

Hoffman (Sr., Mitchell, S.D.) hit 7-of-17 field goals, including 3-of-11 from three-point range for 21 points while recording a career-high seven rebounds. Hoffman, who also had four steals and three assists, recorded her 15th career 20-point game and also had double digits points for the 51st time of her career. She also moved into third-place on USD's season chart for three-point field goals with 74.

Ashley Robinette (Sr., South Sioux City, Neb.) had 14 points and tied her career-high with four 3-point field goals (seven attempts). She also surpassed 1,000 points in her career at USD (1,010 points). Two other USD players scored in double digits against UNO. Shannon Daly (Sr., Groton, S.D.) had her third straight double digit scoring game with 12 points while setting a career-high with four 3-point baskets (five attempts). Amber Hegge (Fr., Crofton, Neb.) had 11 points in 13 minutes of action.

The Coyotes jumped to a 38-28 halftime lead and outscored UNO, 40-38, in the second half. USD won its 33rd straight game when leading at halftime while improving to 7-0 in road games. South Dakota turned up the defense against UNO by recording 16 steals and forcing the Mavericks into 26 turnovers. The Coyotes had a 30-12 advantage in points off turnovers.

For the game, South Dakota made 27-of-63 field goals for 42.9 percent, including 13-of-34 for 38.2 percent from three-point range. They were 11-of-20 from the foul line for 55 percent.

UNO hit 23-of-50 field goals for 46 percent, 6-of-15 from three-point range for 40 percent, and 14-of-21 for 66.7 percent from the foul line. The Mavericks were led in scoring by guard Alyssa Green with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals.

The Coyotes, who lead the nation in three-point field goals (9.8 per game), made at least 10 three-point field goals for the 11th time this season.

The U opened up a 14-9 lead at the 14:22 mark of the first half after Jeana Hoffman made a three-point basket. UNO responded with a 9-4 run to take a 18-17 lead at the 10:07 mark of the opening half. USD answered with a 21-6 run for a 38-24 advantage with just 1:34 left to play in the opening half. The Mavericks scored the final four points of the half to close to 38-28 at the break.

Nebraska-Omaha opened the second half on a 9-2 run to draw within 40-37 with 17:23 left to play in the game. After the UNO surge, the Coyotes answered with a 18-2 run to build a 55-39 advantage at the 13:18 mark. Shortly thereafter, Maggie Youngberg (Jr., Yankton, S.D.) and Robinette hit three-point baskets to help the Coyotes to a 66-44 lead with 10:02 left on the clock. UNO responded with a 12-3 run to draw within 69-56 at the 4:41 mark. However, Hoffman made a jumper at the 2:38 mark as the Coyotes regained a 15-point lead at 77-62.

South Dakota will continue their three-game road trip when the Coyotes travel to face Minnesota State at 6 p.m. on Thursday (February 14) and St. Cloud State at 2 p.m. on Saturday (February 16).