FARGO, N.D. – South Dakota women's basketball made it a contest early, but ultimately, North Dakota State pulled away with a 79-56 win over the Coyotes Saturday in the Scheels Center in Fargo, North Dakota.
 
It was just a nine-point game at halftime, but North Dakota State controlled the third and fourth quarters to pull away with a win. Jenna Hopp and Angelina Robles led the Coyotes with 12 points apiece on the offensive end.
 
It took nearly two minutes for the first basket to fall, and both teams struggled to find the bottom of the basket in the first six minutes of the game, but a 6-0 run for the Bison allowed them to double up South Dakota 16-8 after one quarter.
 
After an NDSU three-pointer made it 30-16 with 3:26 to go until halftime, the Coyotes cut the lead back to single digits at nine after a Tori Schlagel layup and a Jenna Hopp three-pointer. Robles hit a half-court shot at the horn to make it 33-24 Bison at the half.
 
North Dakota State took control in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 20 by the end of the period. NDSU attempted 14 free throws in the third quarter converting 12 of them, while also going 7-of-15 from the field. North Dakota State outscored the Coyotes 20-17 in the fourth, but the Bison converted 53.3% of their shots, including three triples, to keep the Coyotes out of reach.
 
Robles had 12 points and four assists for the Coyotes. Hopp added 12 points and two rebounds. Off the bench, Tori Schlagel and Alyssa Bartlett totaled seven points each and Josie Hill pitched in six. Schlagel also had six rebounds.
 
South Dakota scored a season low 56 points in the loss. It is just the second time all season the Coyotes scored less than 60 points and didn't record a blocked shot. It is North Dakota State's seventh consecutive win over the Coyotes.
 
Next up, the Coyotes are home Wednesday night to host St. Thomas. USD earned a 72-65 win over the Tommies in St. Paul earlier this month. The Coyotes conclude the month of January with a home showdown with South Dakota State on January 31.
 
NOTABLES
• South Dakota is 15-6 on the season, 6-4 on the road, and 5-2 in Summit League play.
• The Coyotes have now lost seven straight to NDSU, and are 22-10 against the Bison as Summit League foes.
• Overall, South Dakota is now 38-49 against the Bison and 13-27 in Fargo.
• Angelina Robles and Jenna Hopp totaled 12 points each for USD.
• Freshmen Tori Schlagel and Alyssa Bartlett tallied seven points each off the bench. Schlagel also had six rebounds.
• Saturday was South Dakota's second loss of 20-or-more points this season.  
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