With 8:26 to play in the fourth quarter, the South Dakota women’s basketball team had finally clawed its way back into Saturday’s game against Oral Roberts.
Grace Larkins was isolated in the post, drew a double team and then kicked it to Carley Duffney who drilled a three from the left corner to tie the game at 65.
From that point on, though, it was all Golden Eagles.
Oral Roberts went on a 13-0 run over the next six minutes to defeat USD, 82-70, and hand South Dakota its first conference loss of the season. Taleyah Jones led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Ruthie Udoumoh posted a double-double, scoring 15 points and corralling 11 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Larkins and Alexi Hempe put forth their best effort, scoring 29 and 23 points respectively. Larkins also had 12 rebounds, three assists, and three turnovers. Hempe shot 50% from the field and went 4-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Oral Roberts built its lead by dominating the paint. The Golden Eagles edged the Coyotes in rebounding and points in the paint. South Dakota was outrebounded by nine – including by 10 on the offensive glass – and was outscored 52-30 in the paint.
USD also lost the turnover and fast break points battle. Oral Roberts created seven steals that led to 15 fastbreak points.
Up next the South Dakota women’s basketball team will host St. Thomas on Thursday, Jan. 9.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota women’s basketball drops Summit League game to Oral Roberts
