VERMILLION, S.D. (Courtesy of South Dakota Athletics) – South Dakota women’s basketball was defeated by Oral Roberts, 83-61, Thursday night inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. The Coyotes (11-5, 1-1) and Golden Eagles got off to a back and forth start as the lead changed hands a couple of times prior to the first media […]
VERMILLION, S.D. (Courtesy of South Dakota Athletics) – South Dakota women’s basketball was defeated by Oral Roberts, 83-61, Thursday night inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
The Coyotes (11-5, 1-1) and Golden Eagles got off to a back and forth start as the lead changed hands a couple of times prior to the first media timeout. From there, the Golden Eagles took control. Holding the Coyotes scoreless for over 4:30 minutes, the Golden Eagles opened a 17-9 lead before a Tori Schlagel driving layup made it 17-11 after one.
Oral Roberts carried the momentum into the second quarter, ballooning the lead to 23, 38-15, with 3:00 to play in the half. With many starters in foul trouble for USD, Alyssa Bartlett scored four points and Josie Hill two to help the Coyotes close the quarter on a 12-0 run. Joyce had six of the 12, include a floater at the buzzer to cap the run and half off. The Golden Eagles led 38-27 at the break.
Much like the start of the second, Oral Roberts stretched the lead to 20 again early in the third quarter and held control the rest of the way. The closest USD would get was 15 after a Joyce three-pointer made it 66-51 with 8:20 to play.
Joyce has had a blistering start to conference play, pouring in 24 points Thursday after a 21-point performance against Kansas City to open the Summit League slate. Joining her in double figures was Patience Williams, who scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds. While she scored just two points, Alex Flattery continued her strong efforts on the defensive end and on the glass, totaling career-highs in blocks (4) and rebounds (11).
South Dakota will look to rebound Saturday in St. Paul, as the Yotes and St. Thomas Tommies are set for a 4 p.m. tip.
NOTABLES
• South Dakota is 11-5 on the season and 6-2 at home.
• South Dakota is now 21-10 all-time against Oral Roberts, and have lost seven straight to the Golden Eagles.
• Molly Joyce had her second straight 20-point scoring game, pouring in a season-high 24.
• Patience Williams tallied 10 points, her sixth double digit scoring game of the season, and added eight rebounds.
• Alex Flattery set career-highs in rebounds (11) and blocks (4).
• Thursday is USD’s first double digit loss of the season.
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Category: General Sports
