VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakota women's basketball team couldn't overcome a cold-shooting afternoon from the field in a 62-50 loss to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Sunday in Vermillion, S.D.
USD falls to 13-7 on the season with the loss while UWEC improves to 19-3 on the season.
USD struggled from the field all game. The Coyotes finished shooting 32.7 percent (16-of-49) from the field, including just 16.7 percent (4-of-25) from three-point range. USD was just 1-of-11 (9.1 percent) from three-point range in the second half. The 50 points were the fewest the Coyotes have scored in a game this season.
The Coyotes were led by Bridget Yoerger (Sr., Hinton, Iowa) who had 16 points and nine rebounds. Kara Iverson (Jr., Yankton, S.D.) had a career day as she finished with a career-high 13 points and six rebounds. Yoerger led the way with 16 points after going 4-of-8 from the field and 8-of-9 from the charity stripe.
South Dakota had one other player score in double-figures as Annie Roche (RFr., Vermillion, S.D.) added 14 points. Jasmine Mosley (Jr., Bellevue, Neb.) led the team with three assists in the contest.
USD led 15-10 in the first half after Iverson drained a three-pointer with 11:38 left. But USD managed just six points over the next 11 minutes of the half and went into halftime down 24-21. USD shot just 33.3 percent (8-of-24) from the field in the opening half. USD stayed in the game thanks to its defense, holding the Blugolds to just 40.7 percent shooting.
In the first half, Iverson sparked USD with eight points off the bench. Yoerger had five rebounds, while Roche had four points for USD. UWEC had an 18-14 edge in boards in the first half.
There were only two free throws attempted between the two teams in the first half.
USD was as close as 26-24 early in the second half but the Blugolds pulled out to a nine-point lead in the next four minutes.
The Coyotes got no closer than five points the rest of the way.
USD shot 14-of-15 (93.3 percent) from the free-throw line.
The Coyotes resume action on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at home against the University of Northern Iowa. Game time is 7 p.m. at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.
