North Dakota State Defeats South Dakota Women’s Basketball, 79-56
South Dakota women’s basketball struggled to maintain momentum Saturday, falling to North Dakota State 79-56 in Fargo, North Dakota, despite a competitive first half. The loss marks the Coyotes’ seventh consecutive defeat at the hands of the Bison.
FARGO, N.D. – South Dakota women’s basketball made it a contest early, but ultimately, North Dakota State pulled away with a decisive victory in the Scheels Center. While the game remained within reach at halftime, North Dakota State seized control in the third and fourth quarters, securing a 79-56 win. Jenna Hope and Angelina Robles spearheaded the Coyotes’ offensive efforts, each contributing 12 points.
The opening minutes of the game were characterized by a scoring drought for both teams, with the first basket falling nearly two minutes into play. A 6-0 run by the Bison allowed them to establish an early lead, doubling up South Dakota 16-8 after the first quarter.
The Coyotes attempted to close the gap before halftime. After an NDSU three-pointer extended the Bison’s lead to 30-16, a layup by Tori Schlagel and a three-pointer from Jenna Hope narrowed the deficit to nine points. A remarkable half-court shot by Robles at the buzzer brought the score to 33-24 in favor of North Dakota State at the break.
North Dakota State dramatically increased its advantage in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 20 points by the period’s end. The Bison capitalized on numerous free throw opportunities, converting 12 of 14 attempts, and shot 7-of-15 from the field. Despite a 20-17 final quarter, North Dakota State maintained its dominance, shooting 53.3% from the field, including several three-pointers, to keep the Coyotes at bay.
Robles finished with 12 points and four assists, while Hopp added 12 points and two rebounds. Off the bench, Schlagel and Alyssa Bartlett each contributed seven points, with Schlagel also securing six rebounds. Josie Hill added six points to the Coyotes’ total.
South Dakota’s 56-point performance marked a season low, representing only the second time this season the team has scored fewer than 60 points. Notably, the Coyotes failed to record a single blocked shot during the game. This loss extends North Dakota State’s winning streak against South Dakota to seven consecutive games.
Looking ahead, the Coyotes will return home to host St. Thomas on Wednesday night. USD previously defeated the Tommies 72-65 in St. Paul earlier this month. The Coyotes will conclude January with a home game against South Dakota State on January 31.
NOTABLES
- South Dakota currently holds a 15-6 season record, with a 6-4 record on the road and a 5-2 record in Summit League play.
- The Coyotes’ record against North Dakota State as Summit League opponents now stands at 22-10, despite their current seven-game losing streak.
- Overall, South Dakota’s record against the Bison is 38-49, with a 13-27 record in Fargo.
- Angelina Robles and Jenna Hope each scored 12 points for USD.
- Freshmen Tori Schlagel and Alyssa Bartlett each tallied seven points off the bench, with Schlagel also contributing six rebounds.
- Saturday’s game marked only the second time this season South Dakota has suffered a loss by 20 or more points.
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