VERMILLION, S.D. -- For the third time in school history, The University of South Dakota has advanced to the Sweet 16. The Coyotes defeated the University of Nebraska-Kearney 59-48 to advance to the North Central Region finals for the first time since 2002-03.
“Let’s face it they have a bunch of post play on the perimeter and we have guards who play inside,” said USD head coach Chad Lavin. “We shot better when we destroyed them in December but we couldn’t hit anything tonight. We were able to take away Mathis. I knew it would be physical and it was. I think the officials did a good job, it was impossible out there with the way the game went. What you saw, both teams had seniors and we both blew each other out the last two years. Mathis and Hinckley controlled the emotions on their team, our seniors controlled emotions on our side, we are just fortunate to move on.”
The Coyotes (30-1) were led by Jeana Hoffman who scored a game-high 17 points. She hit of 50 percent of her shots from the three-point line (4-of-8) as USD shot 46.7 percent as a team from behind the arc.
“That is what the postseason is about, you have to be tough,” said Hoffman. “UNK was ready to play, we were ready to play, even though we didn’t shoot great, we played tough defense, had rebounds and made clutch baskets. I think Lavin hit it, it’s not just the four seniors, it’s our team, we don’t wanna be done tomorrow or the elite eight, we are here to finish what we started, we have come a long way since our first practice in October. It comes down to a fight and who wants it more, we’ll be ready to go Monday after we get some rest.”
Shannon Daly and Amber Hegge each scored 12 points on the night. Bridget Yoeger had nine points and nine rebounds for South Dakota.
“It’s a little more comforting playing a team you know, but last time we played UNK we blew them out,” said Daly. “You get a feel for what your opponent will do having played them, but like against Colorado Sate-Pueblo, we had just seen them on film.”
Melissa Hinkley and Amy Mathis each recorded a double-double for Nebraska-Kearney. Mathis had a game-high in points and rebounds with 17 point and 16 rebounds. Hinkley scored 10 points and finished with 12 boards.
“I’m very proud of our team and what we accomplished this year,” said UNK head coach Carol Russell. “I’m disappointed that they didn’t get this one because I know they worked for this all year. USD is a great team and I’m proud of the team for holding them under their scoring average for the year. Our shooting percentage didn’t help.”
South Dakota will now play Minnesota State in the NCAA Division II North Central Region championship game on Monday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the DakotaDome on the campus of The University of South Dakota.
