Coyote women down Denver in first round of Summit League Tournament

After blowing by Denver in the regular season, winning 85-60 and 79-33, the Coyotes took down the Pioneers 73-54 to open the Summit League Tournament Saturday.

After trailing 10-13 at the end of the first quarter, the Coyote women pushed ahead and took a 27-21 lead into halftime. In the second half the Coyotes pulled away, outscoring Denver 46-33.

The Coyotes struggled in the first half with their shots, shooting 27 percent from the field and 29 percent from three point range. In the second half the Coyotes were able to find their footing, as they shot 59 percent from the field and 40 percent from three point range.

Leading the team was Summit League Player of the Year Nicole Seekamp. The senior guard scored 17 points and also had a game high six assists and four rebounds. Senior guards Kelly Stewart and Tia Hemiller also had big games. The pair scored 14 and 13 respectively, while Stewart grabbed five rebounds.

Denver’s All Summit League senior guard Paige Bradley led the Pioneers. Bradley scored 19 and added four assists and four rebounds. Bradley was a prefect 4-4 from three point range.

Bench points were once again huge for USD. The Coyotes outscored Denver 21-10 in bench points.

The Coyotes’ next game in the Summit League Tournament will be Monday against the winner of tomorrow’s Oral Roberts vs. Western Illinois game. The game will tipoff at noon in the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls.