Derek Paben had 29 points and 10 rebounds and tied a school record with eight three-pointers in the Coyotes' 98-86 win over Southwest State on Friday night.

VERMILLION, S.D. -- Junior forward Derek Paben scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the #8 ranked South Dakota Men's Basketball Team (9-0) to a 98-86 decision over Southwest State (4-5) on Friday at the DakotaDome before 1,350 in attendance.

Paben (Pickrell, Neb.) had a career-best shooting night as he tied a South Dakota school record (Paul Marshall, 2002; Ben Ries, 1999; Joey James, 1999; and Mike Graves, 1990)by making eight three-point baskets (13 attempts). Interestingly all eight of Paben's field goals were from three-point range. Paben, who had his first double double of the season, also hit five of six free throws and handed out five assists. Senior forward Tommie King (Seattle, Wash.) had a career-high 30 points while sophomore guard Josh Mueller had a double double with 16 points, 11 assists plus seven rebounds. Zach Fortune (Bellevue, Neb.) also scored in double figures with 13 points. He also had five assists and made all eight of his free throws attempts.

South Dakota won its 67th straight home nonconference game (regular season). For the Coyotes, who are averaging 92 points a game, it was the fifth time this season they have broken the 90-point barrier. USD has scored at least 84 points in all nine games this season.

The Coyotes continued their outstanding free throw shooting this season by making 28 of 31 for 90.3 percent. On the season, they are hitting 81.6 percent as a team. USD made 29 of 58 shots from the field for 50 percent, including 12 of 28 from three point range (42.9 percent). Both teams had 40 rebounds.

Southwest State was led by guard Jacob Fahl who had 27 points, hitting 10 of 21 field goals, including five three-point baskets. Also scoring in double figures for the Mustangs was Robert Steib with 13 and Jared Keaveny with 11 points. The Mustangs hit 34 of 79 field goals for 43 percent. They were 11 of 31 from three-point range and seven of 11 from the foul line.

Early on the teams traded baskets, until a tip-in by Doug Hanson (Meckling, S.D.) gave USD a 21-16 lead at the 9:48 mark. A three-pointer by Paben moved the advantage to 26-18 with 8:51 to play. Later, Paben again connected from three-point range for a 32-22 lead with 6:02 to play. Then, King scored inside at the 4:16 mark as the Coyotes took a 34-22 lead. Fahl answered for the Mustangs, hitting three consecutive three-point baskets to pull the visitors to within 36-33 with 2:26 left in the half. USD answered as Paben had consecutive three pointers to extend USD's lead to 45-35 at the halftime break.

In the opening half, Paben had five three-pointers and 17 points to go with five rebounds. Tommie King had 13 points. South Dakota hit 16 of 34 field goals for 47.1 percent. They were seven of 16 from three-point range for 43.8 percent. USD hit six of seven free throws.

In the first 20 minutes, Southwest State made 15 of 34 field goals for 44.1 percent. The Mustangs were five of 15 from three-point range and missed their only free throw. Fahl had 15 points to lead the Mustangs.

The game swung back and forth in the second half. After USD opened up a 59-46 lead at the 15:22 mark, the Mustangs scored eight straight points to draw within 59-54 at the 13:20 mark. A jumper by King enabled USD to regain a 10-point advantage at 67-57 with 8:45 left to play. Back came the Mustangs, who cut the lead to 72-66 on a three-pointer by Rory Larson with 6:07 left on the clock. A minute later, Paben hit another three-pointer to give USD a 79-68 lead at the 5:04 mark. Then, USD put the game away when Hanson scored inside for a 90-77 lead with 1:46 remaining on the clock.

South Dakota will now host Jamestown College (9-1) on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the DakotaDome.