USD Women Ride Defense, Hot Shooting To Win [VIDEO]

The University of South Dakota women jumped on top of Kansas City early and never looked back in Vermillion Saturday afternoon, beating the 'Roos 67-45.

USD hit 47 percent of their shots, dominated inside and off the bench to avenge a four point loss in Kansas City last month. The Coyotes outscored UMKC 32-8 in the paint and 31-6 off the bench.

Tempestt Wilson had 12 of her game-high 18 points in the second half, it was the 37th double figure scoring game in her career, her 16th this season.  The Coyotes had a trio of their young players in double figures, freshman Margaret McCloud with 13, freshman Heidi Hoff with 11, and sophomore Lisa Loeffler with 10.

The Coyotes defense was also a factor all afternoon, limiting Kansas City to 32 percent shooting while forcing 18 'Roos turnovers. South Dakota held the Summit League's leading scorer, Eilise O'Connor to three-of-nine shooting and 17 points, three off of her average.

USD got off to a 7-0 lead as Loeffler scored four points and the Coyote defense forced Kansas City into eight turnovers in the game's first eight minutes.  The 'Roos also were limited to just one made basket on seven attempts in first 12 minutes, as South Dakota led 32-16 at the half.  McCloud got her first career start for USD and she responded with seven first half points.

The victory moves South Dakota back to .500 at 12-12 overall, 7-4 in Summit League play.  The Coyotes are on the road next week, at Oakland Thursday and at Fort Wayne Saturday.