The second half of league play begins Saturday as South Dakota travels to Denver for the first half of a double-header at 2 p.m. (CST) on Saturday inside Magness Arena.

The Game
It's the first conference rematch of the season as the Pioneers look to avenge a 79-51 loss to the Coyotes in Vermillion back in December. After an offensive shootout with Western Illinois on Wednesday, Denver turns around to face the league's best defense in South Dakota on Saturday.

The Coyotes
South Dakota (16-5, 7-0 Summit) enters the second-half of league play sitting atop the standings with five players averaging double-figures in conference action and outscoring opponents by 20 points a game. Offensively, the Coyotes remain well-rounded with nine different players leading the team in scoring. Last time out, it was senior center Kate Liveringhouse who stepped it up with a 20-point game against in-state rival South Dakota State. While the Coyote offense ranks in the top-33 nationally for all three shooting percentage categories, it has been USD's tough defense pacing the team early in conference play.

The Pioneers
Denver (12-10, 3-4 Summit) and Western Illinois set an NCAA record for 3-point field goals made (36) this Wednesday with both teams making half. Sophomore Lauren Loven scored eight of Denver's 18 made 3-pointers en route to a career high 28 points. Western Illinois handed Denver a 118-93 loss in that game, the second-straight loss on the road for the Pioneers. Claire Gritt leads the Pioneers in scoring this season with 10.4 points per game.

The Series
South Dakota leads the all-time series 10-2. Denver took the first Summit meeting between the teams, but it's been all South Dakota ever since as the Coyotes have won 10-straight against Denver.

One Last Thing
The Coyotes are winners of 10-straight games, a streak that is tied for sixth nationally. In addition, the Coyotes have won five-straight road games for a streak tied for 11th in the nation.