VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakota men's basketball team extended its winning streak to nine games with a 85-58 rout of Valley City State Saturday afternoon at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.
The Coyotes have not lost since Dec. 2.
Dylan Grimsley (Sr., Sioux City, Iowa) had a big game for USD with a season-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. He finished 10-of-11 from the free-throw line and 7-of-10 from the field.
Roman Gentry (Jr., Sioux City, Iowa) added 15 points, nine rebounds, six steals and three assists for USD, while Tyler Cain (Jr., Rochester, Minn.) added 10 points and nine rebounds. Steve Smith (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) chipped in with 10 points for the Coyotes, who shot 43.1 percent (28-of-65) from the field.
The Coyotes (12-5) put on an impressive first-half display on their way to their ninth straight victory.
USD opened the game on a 20-6 run in the first 8:35, which set the tone for the rest of the half. At one point in the first half, the Coyotes led by 31 points after Jesse Becker (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) drained a jumper with 3:34 left.
The Coyotes ruled every statistical category in the first half in building a 48-25 advantage. USD shot 48.5 percent (16-of-33) in the first half, compared to 34.5 percent (10-of-29) for the Vikings. USD had a commanding 26-13 edge on the boards, including 10-3 on the offensive glass. The Coyotes had 13 turnovers, led by three each from Cain and Gentry.
Grimsley had a big first-half for USD with 13 points and six rebounds, while Gentry had 11 points and six rebounds. Mergen also had six rebounds, while Gentry had a team-high four steals in the first half.
After Valley City State ended the first half on a run, USD responded by starting quickly in the second half, going on a 13-2 run in the first five minutes to put the game out of reach.
USD had a big advantage at the free-throw line, making 24-of-35 attempts, compared to 6-of-11 for VCSU. The Coyotes outrebounded the Vikings, 52-32 and had four players with nine rebounds or more. Rane Mergen (Sr., Dell Rapids, S.D.) provided solid minutes off the bench for USD with four points and nine rebounds.
USD also had 21 assists as a team, led by Becker and Smith with four each.
The Coyotes, who just completed a busy stretch of four games in seven days, resume action on Saturday, Jan. 13 at home against William Penn (Iowa). Game time is 7 p.m. at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.
Notes: The Coyotes are 9-0 at home this season...Becker played limited minutes (14) as a result of an injury...USD had a 38-22 advantage in points in the paint...the Coyotes had a 24-10 edge in second-chance points as well...the Coyotes' win over New Orleans on Dec. 28 was the first over a Division I program since USD made the jump to Division I. Prior to the New Orleans win, their last Division I win came in Coach Dave Boots' first season, 1988-89, with a 106-103 decision over U.S. International...it was the 550th career coaching win for Boots.
