Coyotes take down NDSU in Wednesday match
The University of South Dakota men’s basketball team finds itself atop the Summit League standings after defeating North Dakota State Wednesday night at the DakotaDome.
The Coyotes claimed a 71-67 victory against the Bison in a contested matchup — competing until the final minute of the game.
“(This was a) great victory for our guys,” said Coach Craig Smith following the game. “We haven’t beat this team since 2004 when I was an assistant at NDSU, so to beat them after going 0-6 against them the last three years is huge.”
North Dakota State started the game 8-0, but the Coyotes responded quickly and led the Bison 30-26 after the first half. The Bison made another quick 5-0 run to open the second half, and the teams battled back and forth for the remainder of the game until the Coyotes prevailed in the end.
With one minute left in the game, senior guard Tyler Larson put back a missed three-point attempt from senior guard Brandon Bos to put the Coyotes up 65-63. The Coyotes were then able to hit free throws down the stretch to hold off the Bison.
The win moves USD to 9-9 overall and 3-1 in conference play — a tie for first place in the Summit League standings along with North Dakota State.
“The last few years we’ve had so many close games and didn’t get the result we wanted, but this year it’s been different. We have been here and we know how to finish now,” Bos said.
Larson echoed Bos’ thoughts, and said the team’s motto all year has been to find a way to get a win.
“We are seeing the results,” Larson said. “When you see D.J. Davis show the effort and will to chase down that ball near the end of the game and draw the foul to tie the game up it’s huge. Those hustle plays are what we are all about. Those are difference makers. Those are winning plays.”
The Coyotes shot 37.5 percent from the field for the game and were 24 for 27 from the free throw line. Junior guard Casey Kasperbauer led all Coyotes with 18 points on 7 for 10 shooting including 4 for 5 from three-point range.
Larson had a strong game as he posted another double-double finishing with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Junior guard Trey Norris came off the bench and added 10 points. Bos —who just reached 1,000 points for his career in the Coyote’s last game — finished the game with 12 points, which included shooting a perfect 7 for 7 from the free throw line.
The Bison shot 44.4 percent from the field, but only 6 for 9 from the free throw line. Summit League leading scorer Lawrence Alexander led all scorers with 20 points, but only shot 7 for 21 from the field. Kory Brown also had a strong game for the Bison shooting 7 for 9 from field and finishing with 15 points.
Up next for USD Men’s basketball team is rival South Dakota State University on Saturday in Brookings at Frost Arena. Tipoff for the game is set for 4:30 p.m.
“After beating a good team like NDSU, we are excited to go up to Frost Arena and try to get a win against the Jackrabbits,” Larson said.
(Photo: Junior guard Casey Kasperbauer drives the baseline against North Dakota State University’s Lawrence Alexander in Wednesday’s game. The Coyotes won 71-67. Austin Ashlock / The Volante).
