VERMILLION, S.D. – The South Dakota women's basketball program earned its second consecutive win Thursday night, outlasting North Carolina Central 61-54 inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
 
The Coyotes took Abbott Court off a home win Monday but found themselves down 15-14 after a quarter of play. Grace Larkins scored USD first seven points leading to a game-high 24 points. Larkins also entered the top 10 in career points at USD, now with 1,486 points to her name. A pair of free throws with 14 seconds left gave USD a seven-point advantage and gave Larkins 10^th all-time.
 
A 22-point fourth quarter was the difference for the Yotes (2-4), who had a slim 39-38 advantage after three quarters of play. Adara Groman hit a three-pointer that gave USD a 53-49 lead with 4:17 to play, and grabbed five rebounds in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. After going just 1-for-10 from three in the first 30 minutes, USD hit 3 of its last seven in the fourth to help pull away.
 
"I'm proud of our team for finding a way to win today," head coach Carrie Eighmey said. "It wasn't pretty, but that's sometimes how it goes and you just have to find a way to win."
 
Larkins finished the game with 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Alexi Hempe scored in double figures for a third straight game, pouring in 10 and adding four boards.
 
Carley Duffney finished one points and one rebound away from a double-double, recording nine points and rebounds in the win. The nine rebounds set a new career best for Duffney. Adara Groman added seven points and seven rebounds.

Another milestone was reached Thursday, as head coach Carrie Eighmey eclipsed 250 career wins. 
 
Next up, the Coyotes head to Nashville for the Music City Classic. The Coyotes play Dayton Tuesday and Arizona State Wednesday, with both games at 11 a.m.
 
NOTABLES
• South Dakota improves to 2-4 on the season and 2-2 inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
• Carrie Eighmey won her 250th game as a head coach, bringing her career record to 250-125.
• Grace Larkins enters the Top 10 in career points, pouring in 24 Thursday night to pass Shelby Petersen for 10^th in USD history with 1,486 points.
• Larkins has scored 20 or more in four of six games this season.
• Alexi Hempe scored 10 points, securing her third consecutive double-digit scoring effort and fourth of the season.
• Adara Groman matched a season-best with seven points and set a season best in rebounds (7), steals (3), and minutes (31).
• The Coyotes had their best performance of the season at the free throw line, converting 21-of-23 attempts for 91.3%.
• Four Coyotes went perfect from the charity stripe: Grace Larkins (8-8), Carley Duffney (4-4), Coral Mason (4-4), and Alexi Hempe (2-2).
• Carley Duffney's streak of 10 straight in double figures scoring snapped Thursday, but she still contributed nine points and a career-high nine rebounds.