CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The anticipation builds as the South Dakota Coyotes prepare to face the Northern Iowa Panthers in a thrilling basketball matchup on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST. With both teams closely matched in their records, the game promises to be a compelling display of skill and strategy.
The Coyotes, representing the esteemed University of South Dakota, bring a rich athletic tradition to the court. Competing in the Summit League since transitioning to NCAA Division I in the 2011-12 school year, the school’s athletes have a reputation for competitiveness and sportsmanship. With their team colors of vermilion and white, they embody the passion and spirit of South Dakota.
South Dakota Coyotes
This game against Northern Iowa is crucial for the Coyotes, currently holding a 4-6 record and third in the Summit League with a scoring average of 71.8 points per game. As they aim to improve their road record from 0-2, the team looks to sharpen their offensive efficiency, shooting an impressive 42.4% from the field.
Northern Iowa’s challenge will be defending against South Dakota’s sharp shooting, as the Panthers have been allowing an average of 9.0 made 3-pointers per game. This statistic will be particularly significant as they face Alexi Hempe, a standout performer for the Coyotes. Hempe, known for her accuracy from beyond the arc, averages 2.4 made 3-pointers per game while contributing 12.7 points overall.
As Hempe leads the Coyotes from the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, a venue that has become synonymous with lively and engaging sports events, the team hopes to replicate past successes, such as their impressive 2016 WNIT Championship win. This heritage of excellence underscores South Dakota’s deep-seated commitment to supporting and fostering athletic talent across 18 varsity sports.
The importance of college sports in South Dakota extends beyond mere pastimes; they represent community, identity, and the pursuit of excellence. With notable achievements like the Coyote softball team’s appearance in the Women’s College World Series in 1971, the state’s dedication to sports is deeply rooted.
Northern Iowa, with a 4-4 record, is ninth in the MVC, with a particular strength in defensive rebounds at 21.3 per game, spearheaded by Grace Boffeli’s 5.7 average. They face the challenge of countering the high-scoring Coyotes while attempting to capitalize on a slight edge in 3-point shooting, averaging 9.6 made 3-pointers per game.
Standing out for the Panthers is Maya McDermott, a key player whose 24.1 points per game, complemented by 2.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists, illustrate her integral role. Despite their recent 75-71 loss to the Creighton Bluejays, McDermott’s performance is a testament to the individual talents propelling the Panthers forward.
As the Coyotes and Panthers clash in Cedar Falls, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate which narratives will unfold from this encounter. Will the Coyotes’ quest for a road victory materialize, or will the Panthers leverage their home court advantage?
In South Dakota, sports bring communities together and create lifelong fans. The Coyotes not only compete on the national stage but also boost the state’s profile as a hub of athletic vigor within the Summit League.
With the recent media rights agreement that the Summit League announced on August 10, 2023, there’s heightened excitement for increased visibility. This deal with CBS Sports Network and Midco Sports ensures that more fans can experience the thrill of Coyotes basketball, highlighting the championship games for both men’s and women’s basketball.
As South Dakota nurtures its sports communities, significant attention is paid to developing talent and providing platforms for athletes to shine. The University of South Dakota, through its comprehensive sporting programs, continues to play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
Fans can catch the action this Tuesday and keep up with their beloved Coyotes through various media outlets and online platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of what promises to be a dynamic and competitive basketball season for South Dakota.