The SeriesSouth Dakota leads 9-1. The Coyotes have won five straight against the Leathernecks in a series that dates back to USD joining the Summit in 2011-12. Earlier this season, South Dakota took down Western Illinois 102-77 in Macomb, Ill.
The GameA battle of the league's two highest scoring teams takes place Thursday. The Coyotes (79.3) and the Leathernecks (77.3) are the only two teams averaging above 70 points per game. The key differential between the programs lies in defense. South Dakota limits opponents to 65.3 points per game - including a tough Coyote defense that has held opponents to 53.4 ppg in the last five outings. Western Illinois allows opponents 73.8 points per game.
Western Illinois pumps the three ball - the Necks average 9.5 made 3-point field goals per game while attempting 29.5. Five players on the roster have made more than 30 3-pointers this season. Forward Sophie Reichelt leads the neck in scoring at 15.2 points per game, although Michelle Maher (14.5), Taylor Higginbotham (12.4) and Emily Clemens (10.9) all average in double figures. The Leathernecks' quick pace also forces them to commit a league-high 11.3 turnovers per game.
South Dakota continues to lead the Summit in several categories including scoring (79.3 ppg), field-goal percentage (45.3), rebounds (40.9 rpg), rebound margin (9.8), assists (17.8 apg) and steals (10.2 spg). The Coyotes run a balanced offense with four players above nine points per game and 10 above three points per game. The Coyotes have used that balanced attack to win 10 consecutive games and reach their second-straight 20-win season.
Last Time OutWhen two fast-paced and high-powered offenses face off, games are likely to reach triple digit point totals. The Coyotes did just that, rolling to a 102-77 win in Macomb, Ill. The Coyotes had five players with double-digit point totals and the Leathernecks added four more. Senior guard
Kelly Stewart had a career night, scoring 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field and 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. Senior guard
Nicole Seekamp had a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists. Junior guard
Caitlin Duffy scored 14 points, while senior guard
Tia Hemiller and sophomore center
Kate Liveringhouse finished with 12 apiece.
1,000 Point WatchSenior center
Margaret McCloud and junior guard
Jasmine Trimboli are chasing their 1,000th career points. McCloud has 985 in four seasons as a Coyote, meaning she needs 15 to become the 12th player in program history with 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Trimboli has 983 points with two seasons at Iowa Western CC and 151 points at USD.
#MarchtotheSummitSouth Dakota and South Dakota State are in a dead heat for first place in regular season standings. The two teams, both ranked in the top-5 of the ESPNW Mid-Major rankings and the top-25 of the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major poll, showdown Saturday inside the DakotaDome.
