Coyote women advance to second round of WNIT

The Coyote women’s basketball team overcame a slow first half and went on to defeat Creighton 74-68 in the opening round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

USD only managed 30 percent shooting from the field in the first half, while the Jays soared to 70 percent from deep and 48 percent from the field. The Coyotes came out with a defensive grit in the second half and it helped on the offensive end, as the Coyotes jumped to 54 percent from the field.

It was tight until the end, as the teams traded buckets. It was free throws from Coyote senior guards Tia Hemiller and Kelly Stewart that put the game away.

Hemiller and Stewart were both huge for the Coyotes throughout the game. Hemiller scored a team high of 17 points and added four rebounds. She was efficient, shooting 4-5 from the field, 3-3 from deep and 6-6 from the line. Stewart scored 15 points and grabbed five boards. Fellow senior guard Nicole Seekamp also had 15 points. She added six assists and six rebounds to her total as well.

Freshman forward Audrey Faber led the Jays. Faber scored 25 and was 6-11 from three point range. She fouled out with 17 seconds remaining. Sophomore guard Sydney Lamberty also had a big night for Creighton, scoring 15 and dishing three assists.

With the win the Coyotes move on to the second round of the WNIT against Minnesota. The game will be Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. Tipoff time is set for 2 p.m.