Feb. 1—VERMILLION — After dropping four straight games, the University of South Dakota women’s basketball team got back in the win column on Saturday.
Behind a 39-point effort by Grace Larkins, USD defeated North Dakota 76-66 in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Larkins also grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds to give her a double-double and it was her first 30-point or more performance since Jan. 9 as more opponents have honed in on her defensively.
Outside of Larkins, the Coyotes (10-13, 4-5 Summit) had a trio of scorers in double-figures. Gabby Wilke finished with 13 points. Cassidy Carson and Carley Duffney both finished with 10 points. Despite only shooting 38.1% from the field all game, the Coyotes made use of the free-throw stripe, going 20-of-23.
The two teams made it rain from 3-point range in the first quarter, making a combined eight 3s in the first 10 minutes. Even though the Fighting Hawks shot better than the Coyotes in the first quarter, they held a slim 24-22 advantage. By the end of the first half, USD put some distance on UND with a 43-34 lead.
Out of halftime, USD continued to lead, despite some shooting inconsistencies from the field. However, the defense was giving UND almost as much trouble by not allowing many shots to get up. While the Coyotes had already shot the ball 50 times through three quarters, the Fighting Hawks only had 35 and trailed 59-46 heading into the final 10 minutes.
Although UND (8-14, 3-6 Summit) got within single digits multiple times in the fourth quarter, USD was able to hold firm and eventually snap the four-game losing skid with the win. Kiera Pemberton led the Fighting Hawks with 19 points and 17 rebounds. Mikayla Aumer also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
USD will look to win consecutive games when Oral Roberts comes to Vermillion on Thursday, Feb. 6.
