USD Falls Short in NCAA Debut, losing to Stanford

Stanford's Chiney Ogwumike was too much for the University of South Dakota, as the Coyotes fell 81-62 in their NCAA tournament debut. 

After handing South Dakota State their first Summit League loss, and going on to beat Denver for the league title, USD led 10-7 early, but the Stanford Cardinal scored on 24 of their next 31 possessions to break open the lead, 31-17. 

The Cardinal shot a blazing 51.4 percent from the field in the first half, and led 42-27 at halftime. USD, meanwhile, shot 45.8 percent, but dismal three-point shooting (1-for-6, 16.7 percent), didn't help their cause.

In the second half, the Cardinal continued to have a hot shooting hand, and especially from long range. From the field, Stanford shot 44.1% from the field and 35.3% from behind the arc. USD shot 41.9 percent from the field, and an improved 41.7 percent on three-pointers.

Ogwumike led the Cardinal with 23 points and eight rebounds, and Bonnie Samuelson added 17 points, and six three-pointers. For the game, the Cardinal made 47.9 percent of their field goals, and 34.5 percent of their three-pointers.

One positive for the Coyotes was holding Ogwumike below her season average of 27 points.

USD was led by Nicole Seekamp's 22 points (made first six shots), and five rebounds. Senior Polly Harrington added nine points. Kelly Stewart and Tia Hemiller both contributed eight points. The Coyotes made 43.6 of their field goals, and 33.3 percent of their three-pointers.

Going forward, the Coyotes only lose Harrington, but replacing her in the post will be difficult. She was the Summit League tournament MVP.

USD was 19-14, and 7-7 in the Summit, while Stanford was 30-3, and 17-2 in the Pac 12.

Stanford plays Florida State on Monday in the second round of the NCAA tournament.