South Dakota and Stephen F. Austin are coming off mid-week stompings of NAIA opponents. The Coyotes (4-3) defeated Bellevue (Neb.) of the North Star Athletic Association 89-32 on Wednesday. The Ladyjacks (5-1) ran past Central Baptist College (Ark.) of the American Midwest Conference 97-34 on Tuesday. South Dakota looks to stay above .500 following a tough nonconference slate to start the season, while Stephen F. Austin looks for its first top-200 RPI victory this season.

The Coyotes
A deep bench with a balanced attack continues to be an early theme for this year's Coyotes. Junior guard Allison Arens was averaging 21 points at this time a year ago, pacing South Dakota in nearly every statistical category (scoring, rebounding, assists and steals). Scoring, rebounding and even assists have been evenly spread this season among the roster. Six different Coyotes have led the team in scoring through the first seven games (Kate Liveringhouse, Allison Arens, Jaycee Bradley, Madison McKeever, Monica Arens, Taylor Frederick). Nine players average between five and 12 points per game, while seven players have at least 20 total rebounds and five have 10 or more assists.

The Ladyjacks
Stephen F. Austin have outscored opponents by a 25-point margin this season, although their only opponent with an RPI below 200, Kansas State, handed them a 74-49 loss to open the year. Stevi Parker averages a double-double with 12 points and 11.3 rebounds to lead the Ladyjacks. Stephen F. Austin competed in the WBI last season and finished with a 25-8 record.

The Series
South Dakota opened the Sanford Coyote Sports Center with the Ladyjacks last season, winning 80-74. Saturday marks a return trip to complete the home-and-home.

One Last Thing
Both the Coyotes and the Ladyjacks love to shoot the three with each team taking at least 22 attempts from outside the arc per game. Stephen F. Austin was 10-of-17 (.588) from 3-point range in Vermillion last year, although it was the Coyotes' inside game with Allison Arens (21 points, 6 assists) driving to the rim and Abigail Fogg (18 points) in the post that proved the difference in the win.