A strong first half wasn't enough for South Dakota at home Thursday night, as the Coyotes squandered an eight-point halftime cushion and missed a chance to complete a season sweep of Oakland, losing 76-75 on a Duke Mondy free throw with :04 left.

Just like they did when they shocked the Golden Grizzlies by 19 in Michigan last month, USD shot the ball very well in the first half Thursday, hitting 15-of-30, including four three-pointers to lead by as many as ten in the first 20 minutes.  Juevol Myles (15 points) and Brandon Bos (10) points led the first half charge for the Coyotes, who also forced ten Oakland turnovers before intermission.

Things changed quickly in the first 4:20 of the second half, as the Golden Grizzlies scored 11 of the first 13 points to take their first lead since midway through the first half.  Oakland's efforts defensively and on the boards were much better in the second half, as they converted four USD turnovers into eight points, while out rebounding the Coyotes in the second half 18-12, including a 6-1 edge on the offensive glass.  That rebounding advantage helped the Golden Grizzlies outscore the Coyotes 16-8 in the paint in the second half.

Myles broke out of a shooting slump with a seven-for-13 night and a game high 23 points, Bos finished with 22.  The Coyotes held the Summit League's leading scorer, Travis Bader, to just 16 points, nine below his average, but gave up 17 to Corey Petros, 16 to Mondy, and 14 to Drew Valentine.

With the loss, USD now has three consecutive home defeats for the first time in 13 seasons.  The win kept an impressive Oakland streak in tact.  The Golden Grizzlies have not lost a conference game between February 5th and March 5th since 2008.

The Coyotes host Fort Wayne Saturday.

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