VERMILLION, S.D. – The Coyotes, behind stout defense and a career-high in scoring for Gabby Wilke, picked up a much-needed 63-56 victory over Kansas City in the annual Pink Game Wednesday night inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
Wilke poured in a career-high 21 points, including five triples, to pace the Coyote charge offensively. Carley Duffney scored 11 of the 16 Coyote points in the fourth quarter, finishing with 18 points.
Kansas City held a one-point edge after one quarter of play, but the Yotes won each of the final three quarters to seal a win. The Coyotes used an 8-0 run to separate in the middle of the second quarter, and didn’t surrender the lead for the remainder of the game.
By halftime, Wilke had already matched her career-high with 13 points and was the lone Coyote in double figures to pace the charge for the Yotes. Kansas City held Grace Larkins in check, keeping her to seven points in the first half and 16 for the game.
After scoring just seven points in the first half, and not getting a shot up in the third quarter, Duffney flipped the switch in the fourth quarter to seal the Coyote victory.
Kansas City cut the USD lead to three, 50-47 with 5:16 to play, but from there, it was Duffney’s time to shine. She scored nine straight points, and 11 of the final 13 points for USD. She was 3-of-6 from the field but added 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the quarter.
Larkins recorded her 13th double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Wilke’s career-high 21 points was one point shy of the game high. Duffney had 18 points in the win.
South Dakota now hits the road to take on South Dakota State Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Brookings.
NOTABLES:
• The Coyotes are now 11-15 on the season, 9-6 at home, and 5-7 in conference play.
• Gabby Wilke had a career-high 21 points to lead the Yotes.
• Carley Duffney scored 11 of the final 13 points in the win, totaling 18 for the game.
• Grace Larkins recorded her 13th double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 boards.
• The Coyotes are now 4-2 when winning the opening tip and 10-3 when leading at the half.
• South Dakota attempted more than 25 free throws for the first time this season, converting 20-of-26.
• The Yotes are 9-4 when committing fewer turnovers and are now 9-1 when having a better field goal percentage.