VERMILLION, S.D. — The South Dakota women's basketball program found a way to stay within striking distance, but North Dakota State put the game away with a 21-point fourth quarter to seal a 72-53 win inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center Wednesday night.
 
The Bison jumped to an early 10-point lead after a quarter, mostly on the back of 11 first quarter points from NDSU's Abbie Draper. The Bison hit over 50% of their shots in the quarter (9-17).
 
The Coyotes recovered well in the middle two quarters, keeping the NDSU lead at 10 at the half. Grace Larkins, who finished with 23 points on the night, scored on three straight possessions near the end of the half to keep the Coyotes within striking distance.
 
South Dakota carried the momentum into the second half, where they cut the NDSU lead to six late in the third quarter, but the Bison led by eight after three. The Coyotes outscored the Bison 17-15 in the quarter, with Carley Duffney and Larkins scoring six points each.
 
The Bison outscored South Dakota 21-10 in the fourth quarter as the comeback efforts for the Yotes fell short. After converting nearly half of their shots in the third (8-17), South Dakota went 1-9 in the fourth quarter as North Dakota State pulled away.
 
Larkins finished with 23 points and seven rebounds. Carley Duffney scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Cassidy Carson added three blocks, tying a career-high.
 
The Coyotes stay at home Saturday afternoon, taking on South Dakota State as a part of the First Interstate Bank Interstate Series.
 
NOTABLES
• The Coyotes are now 9-11 on the season, 7-4 at home, and 3-3 in Summit League play.
• Larkins recorded 23 points, her 13^th game over 20-plus points this season.
• Duffney added 13 points, her 12^th 10-plus point game this season.
• Carson picked up three blocks in the loss, tying her career-best.