Coyotes edge past Denver in a thriller

The USD Coyotes (15-9, 6-3 Summit) took on the Denver Pioneers (13-9, 5-4 Summit) in Vermillion on Saturday as sophomore forward Tyler Flack made his return from a leg injury that held him out for
seven games.

Unlike previous games, the Coyotes were fluent with their offensive play early in the game, with Flack leading the charge.

Sophomore guard Matt Mooney continued his success by totaling 27 points. Flack added 19 points for USD.

The score was tied 16 times throughout
the game.

Mooney credits Flack for giving the Coyotes the necessary boost for a win.

“Having Flack back definitely boosted our confidence,” Mooney said. “We were able to pull off another close game.”

Head coach Craig Smith was pleased with the win over Pioneers.

“It was a great win for the Coyotes,” he said. “The Pioneers are a sound team and they defended us
very well.”

Smith also spoke of Flack’s comeback and his impact as a team leader.

“It’s great to have Flack back with us. He was really sharp on offense, but was a little rusty on defense,” Smith said with a laugh. “It will be something to work on and bring back.”

The Coyotes are now in second place in the Summit League and will play their next game in Omaha on Feb. 1.