Coyote men get needed conference win over Western Illinois

The Leathernecks got out to a hot start over the Coyotes in the first half during Wednesday night’s game in the DakotaDome, but the Coyotes were able to make a comeback for a 76-67 win.

Western Illinois led nearly the entire half and entered halftime with a five point lead. After the game Coyote head coach Craig Smith referred to the first half offense as a “root canal.”

In the second half USD came together. The Coyotes began pressing the Leathernecks, which helped them find some rhythm. Sophomore guard D.J. Davis anchored USD on the defensive end and held Leatherneck standout Garret Covington to zero points in the second half, after Covington had scored 13 in the first half.

Senior guard Casey Kasperbauer was the leading man of the Coyote turn around after halftime. He totaled 17 points in the second half and went a perfect 3-3 from the three point line. Many of Kasperbauer’s shots were well contested but he was not in a mood to miss.

One of the biggest moments in the game, and perhaps the turning point, came from D.J. Davis with 5:55 left to play in the second half. Davis ended an eight point Leatherneck run, that had pulled the game within six, with a three late into the shot clock that seemed to give the Coyotes the momentum they needed to close out the game.

Junior forward Tyler Flack helped lend a big hand with a full stat sheet of nine points, two rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals. Senior guard Tre Burnette had a strong night on the boards as he pulled down a game high 13 rebounds to go along with his 14 points.

With the win the Coyotes improve to 10-10 on the year and to 2-4 in conference play. The Coyotes are next in action Saturday, when they take on South Dakota State in the DakotaDome at 4 p.m.