Vermillion, S.D. -- A 26-4 run over the first 12 minutes of the second half sparked the South Dakota women's basketball team to a 57-41 win over Texas-Pan American in a Great West Conference matchup Saturday at the DakotaDome. The Coyotes, who won for the third straight time, improved to 12-9 overall and 3-1 in the Great West, while UTPA fell to 9-14 and 1-3.

Juniors Amber Hegge (Crofton, Neb.) and Annie Roche (Vermillion, S.D.) sparked the Coyote offense on the night, combining for 37 points. Hegge finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and a team-high four assists, while Roche tied a season-high with 18 points. Junior center Jodie Boss (Columbus, Neb.) added 10 rebounds and four blocks.

USD shot 35 percent (19-of-53) from the field and 33 percent (8-of-24) from deep in the game while holding UTPA to 27 percent (15-of-54) and 17 percent (3-of-17).

South Dakota trailed 30-27 at halftime but used defense to take control of the contest. The Coyotes held the Broncs to just four points over the first 12:21 of the second half, and without a point or a stretch of nearly nine minutes.

Meanwhile, the Coyote offense warmed up. Three consecutive three-point possessions, including two from Hegge and one from Roche, pushed the Coyotes back in front, 36-34 with 16:19 left. The Coyotes then scored the next 17 points to build the lead to 53-34 with 8:26 left. Roche had five points during that stretch while Hegge added four. Sophomore Tempestt Wilson (Elk River, Minn.) and freshman Katelyn Edwards (Crete, Neb.) added treys.

To finish the game, USD allowed only eight points in the last eight minutes on its way to a 16-point win. Hegge finished with 14 points in the second half alone as the Coyotes outscored the Broncs 30-12.

The Coyotes started the game on a 4-0 run, with Roche going 2-of-2 from the line and an assist by Wilson gave Hegge an easy layup. Boss, sophomore guard Alexis Yackley (Onida, S.D.), and Roche all hit baskets before Roche and senior guard Teresa Case (Sioux Falls, S.D.) hit back-to-back treys to put USD up 16-6 with 12:36 remaining in the half.

Following the midway mark of the half, the Broncs chipped away at the lead, trailing by just one with 5:11 before halftime. Although a trey by Roche, a drive by Hegge, and a free throw a piece by Wilson and Hegge kept the Coyotes in the lead, UTPA went into the locker rooms leading 30-27 at halftime.

Roche led USD with 10 points in the first half, followed by Hegge who had five. USD shot 34 percent (9-of-26) from the field and 40 percent (4-of-10) from beyond the arc, while UTPA shot 40 percent (11-of-27) and 15 percent (2-of-13), respectively.

In the second half, the Coyotes shot 37 percent, but held UTPA to 4-of-27 shooting (14.8 percent).

South Dakota continues its season by hosting North Dakota Saturday at 6 p.m. at the DakotaDome. Fans can purchase tickets in advance at the USD Ticket Office or by calling (605) 677-5959.