U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The South Dakota women's basketball program started the game hot, but a second half surge from the Air Force Falcons resulted in a 73-66 win for the home team.
 
The Coyotes went on a 18-0 run during the first quarter, opening up a 26-8 lead with 1:13 remaining in the quarter. Alexi Hempe started 3-of-4 from the field, scoring eight points in the quarter.
 
Air Force outscored the Coyotes in each quarter the rest of game, but the Coyotes never bowed out. USD led 39-28 at halftime, but a 30-point third quarter for the Falcons gave them a 58-55 lead after three.
 
Air Force opened up an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, but USD clawed back, making it a two-point game with 30 seconds remaining. Ultimately, the comeback came up short.
 
Grace Larkins led the Coyotes with 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Alexi Hempe finished with 13 points and five rebounds and Carley Duffney added 12 points and six rebounds.
 
The Coyotes return home to take on Loyola Marymount Wednesday at 7 p.m.
 
NOTABLES
• South Dakota shot 10-for-13 from the field in the first quarter, including 5-of-7 from three.
• Overall, the Coyotes were 26-of-52 (50%) from the field and 9-of-27 (33%) from beyond the arc.
• Grace Larkins continues her quick start to the season, finishing one rebound shy of a second straight double-double.
• Carley Duffney recorded her seventh straight double-digit scoring game dating back to last season, the longest active streak on the team.
• All eight Coyotes who appeared in Friday's game scored.
• Gabby Wilke scored her first points as a Coyote on a three-pointer in the second quarter and finished with five points and four rebounds.
• The Coyotes had the higher shooting percentage in the game, but the Falcons made two more baskets on 22 more attempts.
• Coral Mason scored five points in the game, a new career best for the sophomore from Hurley, S.D.
• Addison Klosterbuer recorded her first career start, totaling three points and a career-high four steals.