As temperatures cool in South Dakota, the passion for basketball heats up. The University of South Dakota Coyotes, known for their powerful athletic programs, faced a significant challenge as they traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to compete against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. The Coyotes entered the matchup with a 1-0 record against Summit League opponents, while Oral Roberts boasted an impressive 7-1 record at home.
The Coyotes are a cornerstone of the state’s sports culture, extending well beyond basketball. The University of South Dakota houses diverse sports interests, offering athletic programs in football, cross country, track & field, swimming & diving, and more. This commitment to athletics echoes through the state’s communities, fueling a collective pride that culminates in high-energy matchups like the one against Oral Roberts.
On the court, Oral Roberts’ standout, Ruthie Udoumoh, has been pivotal, averaging 13.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and two steals per game. Her robust performance has earned her a spot on both the All-Summit League Second Team and the All-Summit League Defensive Team, accolades reflecting her influential presence in the league.
For the Coyotes, Alexi Hempe provides a significant offensive threat. A 6-foot forward, Hempe is a sharpshooter from outside, averaging 2.9 made three-pointers per game and boasting a 41.7% accuracy from beyond the arc. Her skill set was evident as she contributed significantly this season after recovering from an earlier injury. During the 2022-23 season, Hempe recorded a career-high 18 points, showcasing her tenacity and skill upon her return.
With the Coyotes’ rich history, such as their appearances in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, fans in South Dakota anticipate each game with enormous zeal. The spirit and determination of the Coyotes mirror the broader spirit found throughout South Dakota—a state that values perseverance and community.
Oral Roberts, led by another star, Taleyah Jones, who was recently named Summit League Women’s Basketball Peak Performer of the Week, promises a competitive spirit against South Dakota. Jones’s achievements this season include earning her 1,000th career point, a testament to her consistency and excellence on the court. Her leadership, coupled with the team’s home-court advantage, poses a formidable challenge for visiting teams.
The Golden Eagles’ efficiency is notable; they make 46.1% of their shots from the field. They have a dynamic offensive strategy, emphasized by robust performances in the paint and aggressive defense. Fans from both South Dakota and Oklahoma eagerly awaited this matchup, hoping to see their teams continue their stride toward Summit League supremacy.
This competition brought vivid excitement not only for sports fans but also for communities invested in the success and growth of their athletes and programs. In South Dakota, the pride in local teams like the Coyotes is palpable, extending beyond wins and losses to embody the spirit of the state.
Taleyah Jones’s performance undoubtedly captivates audiences on multiple platforms, from Facebook to Twitter updates shared by Oral Roberts University’s social teams, making the excitement accessible to fans worldwide.
As this season progresses, athletes like Ruthie Udoumoh and Alexi Hempe exemplify the high caliber of basketball that emerges from embodying both work ethic and regional spirit—a quality that South Dakota treasures dearly.
While the Coyotes strive for victory, the game represents more than just the pursuit of scores—it’s a testament to community, resilience, and the shared passion that unites a state and its athletic ambassadors. Whatever the outcome, South Dakota’s presence in the league stands robust and keenly ambitious, backed by its supportive local and university communities.