VERMILLION, S.D. – A slow start for the Coyotes didn't derail their plans, as South Dakota women's basketball defeated North Dakota 62-39 Wednesday night inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center in Vermillion.
 
The Coyotes (13-5, 3-1) have started conference play 3-1 for the second consecutive season, and earned their second conference win by 20-plus points. The 39 points by North Dakota are the fewest USD has allowed against a Division I opponent this season and the second fewest against any opponent (33 vs York).
 
Molly Joyce led the Coyotes in scoring for the fourth consecutive game, pouring in 20 points, tying a career-high with 10 field goals made. She also snatched a season high six rebounds. Joyce has totaled 20 or more points in all four conference games so far.
 
The Coyotes got off to a slow start, trailing 8-6 after one quarter of play, but the offense got rolling in the second quarter, partially due to stifling defense, as USD outscored UND 22-3 in the quarter. South Dakota hit 50% of its shots in the second quarter, while holding UND to just 1-of-10 from the field, including 0-5 from three. The Fighting Hawks' first basket of the quarter came with 16 seconds left in the quarter.
 
The Coyotes added one point to the lead in the third quarter, winning it 14-13 to make it 42-24 after three, and outscored the Fighting Hawks 20-15 in the fourth to solidify the victory. The USD defense forced 24 North Dakota turnovers and held them to 1-of-15 from three for just 6.7%. Patience Williams was a force defensively, totaling five steals, and also had six points and six rebounds.
 
The Coytoes shot 47.9% from the field for the game, and made 3-of-8 three point attempts. Angelina Robles scored in double figures for a 14^th time this season, totaling 15 points and adding four assists. Jenna Hopp added seven points and four rebounds.
 
Wednesday was USD's 20^th win over North Dakota in the Division I era and USD is now 14-2 against the Fighting Hawks as Summit League foes. It's also USD's 40^th win over UND in series history.

The Coyotes will go for their 60^th home Summit League victory since the SCSC opened Saturday when they host the Denver Pioneers at 1 p.m. It is also the fifth annual Native American Heritage Day in the SCSC.
 
NOTABLES
• South Dakota is 13-5 on the season, 7-2 on the road, and 3-1 in Summit League play.
• The Coyotes are now 59-14 in Summit League play inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
• South Dakota is now 40-51 all-time against North Dakota, and 24-19 in Vermillion.
• Molly Joyce had her fourth straight 20-point scoring game, pouring in 20 points.
• Angelina Robles recorded 15 points in the win, her 14^th double digit scoring game of the season and second of conference play.
• Patience Williams contributed on both ends of the floor in the win, totaling six points, six rebounds, and five steals.
• Jenna Hopp entered the starting lineup Wednesday, totaling seven points and four rebounds in 24 minutes.
• Wednesday was USD's 10^th win of the season by 20 or more.  
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