DENVER, Colo. — The non-conference portion of the South Dakota women's basketball schedule has concluded, and now the Coyotes turn their attention to the Summit League slate, where they will face Denver Thursday night in Denver.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
The Coyotes and Pioneers are set for a 7 p.m. Central Time (6 p.m. Mountain) start inside Hamilton Gymnasium in Denver. Fans can watch the game on the Summit League Network powered by Midco Sports Plus. They can also listen to the voice of South Dakota women's basketball, Jerry Palleschi, on KVTK 1570 AM or on the Varsity Sports Network.
 
ABOUT THE COYOTES
• The Coyotes start Summit League play on the road with the two longest trips of conference play at Denver and Oral Roberts.
• So far this season, Grace Larkins leads South Dakota in points (22.0), rebounds (8.5), assists (5.6), and minutes (36.5) per game.
• Four of the five Coyote starters have started in all 12 games this season. Five Coyotes have made starts as the fifth starter.
• Thursday is the 1,500th USD Women's Basketball game in program history. The Coyotes are 919-580 all-time in their 53rd season of play.
 
SCOUTING THE PIONEERS
• The Coyotes and Pioneers are set to renew their Summit League rivalry in the Mile High City Thursday night.
• The Pioneers are 7-2 inside Hamilton Gymnasium this season and are 7-6 overall.
• Denver has two players averaging double figures: Jordan Jones (20 ppg), and Emma Smith (11.5 ppg). Jones is second in the conference in scoring behind Larkins and is third in rebounds behind Ruthie Udoumoh (ORU) and Larkins.
• Denver is in the middle of a six-game home stand and is currently 3-1 on the home stand. It ends this week with the Coyotes and Jackrabbits coming to Denver.
 
LAST TIME OUT
• South Dakota wrapped up their non-conference slate with a pair of wins against Mount Marty and South Dakota Mines prior to the holiday break.
• The Coyotes defeated Mount Marty 78-74 and South Dakota Mines 75-31 inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.

INSIDE THE DENVER SERIES
• The Coyotes and Pioneers meet for the 26th time in series history.
• Last season, South Dakota swept Denver, earning an eight point win on the home floor and a 30-point win in Denver.
• The Coyotes haven't lost at Denver since the 2018-19 season, a 104-99 score in regulation.
• Grace Larkins (17 points), Carley Duffney (12), and Olivia Kieffer (12) all scored in double figures at Denver last season.
 
SUMMIT LEAGUE SUCCESS
• The Coyotes have nine total Summit League titles, five regular season and four tournament titles.
• The Coyotes are 183-59 against Summit League (previously Mid-Continent) opponents all-time.
• South Dakota has a winning record against 13 of the 14 opponents.
• The Coyotes have more wins against Omaha (23) than any other Summit League opponent.
• South Dakota hasn't had a losing record in conference play since joining the Summit League for the 2011-12 season.