VERMILLION, S.D. – Coming off their first win of the season, the Coyotes now turn their attention North Carolina Central Thursday evening in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
 
South Dakota (1-4) and NC Central (0-6) are set for tip-off at 7 p.m. in Vermillion. Both teams played Monday, with South Dakota defeating Bellevue 74-50 and NC Central falling at Florida State 119-57.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
The Coyotes and Eagles tip at 7 p.m. on the Summit League Network powered by Midco Sports Plus. You can also listen to the game on KVHT 106.3 with the voice of Coyote women's basketball Jerry Palleschi.
 
LAST TIME OUT
• The Coyotes earned their first win of the season Monday against Bellevue, 74-50. It was USD's fourth win over the Bruins.
• Carley Duffney set a new career-high with 23 points and tied a career high with six assists in the win.
• Coral Mason earned her first start as a Coyote Monday, playing 30 minutes and grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds and snatching a career-high three steals.
• Alexi Hempe tied three career bests Monday: Points (18), Field Goals Made (6), and Three-Pointers Made (4).
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
• Thursday marks the first time the Coyotes and Eagles will meet on the hardwood.
• NC Central is off to a slow start this season at 0-6, but they've also had a tough schedule, facing three schools from Power 5 conferences: Georgia (L, 96-52), Clemson (L, 91-33), Florida State (L, 119-57).
• The Eagles have eight players who've seen the court in all six of their games and three who haven't missed a start.
• Sophomore guard Kyla Bryant leads the team in points at 14.8 per game, and has scored in double figures in all six games.
 
INSIDE THE NC CENTRAL SERIES
• The Coyotes and Eagles meet for the 1st time in series history.
• Despite having no series history, the two programs had a similar opponent last season.
• The Coyotes played fellow MEAC school South Carolina State last season, earning a 72-52 win at the Sanford Pentagon.
• The Eagles sept South Carolina State last season: winning on the road 75-61 and at home 73-54.
 
YOTES VS. THE MEAC
• The Coyotes have seen two MEAC opponents prior to Thursday, and they are 1-0 against each team.
• USD is 2-0 overall against the conference.
• The Coyotes have beaten Coppin State and South Carolina State to this point.
• South Dakota defeated South Carolina State 72-52 last season.