It marked the 11th straight win for USD (14-5), which continued its unbeaten season at home (11-0).

Cain (Jr., Rochester, Minn.) had 18 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for the Coyotes, while Mergen (Sr., Dell Rapids, S.D.)collected 18 points and 14 rebounds, both career-highs.

USD had a decisive edge in rebounds with a 57-31 advantage, including 23-8 on the offensive glass.

Jesse Becker (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) added 13 points and three assists, while Louie Krogman (Fr., White River, S.D.) collected 12 points and three assists.

The Coyotes went into halftime holding a 47-26 lead as two USD players - Cain and Mergen - recorded double-doubles in the first half. Mergen led the way with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Cain put up 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Becker also had nine points.

USD outrebounded the Lancers 30-17 in the first 20 minutes of play while the Coyotes also shot 42.5 percent from the field.

The Coyotes also held the Lancers to just 30.3 percent shooting (10-of-33) in the opening 20 minutes.

USD built its lead to as much as 24 points in the second half on its way to the win.

Steve Smith (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Mitch Begeman (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) each had nine points for USD. Begeman had five rebounds. USD also finished with 10 blocks as a team, led by Cain with three and two each from Dylan Grimsley (Sr., Sioux City, Iowa) and Smith. Cain had a team-high three steals.

The Coyotes have a quick turnaround as they will play at Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) on Thursday, Jan. 15. Game time is 6:05 p.m. in West Palm Peach, Fla.

Notes: It was Cain's eighth double-double of 2008 while it was Mergen's first of the season...it was Krogman's 14th game in double figures this season...USD had a 22-10 edge in second-chance points.