VERMILLION — Despite erasing a 17-point deficit in their first game under head coach Carrie Eighmey, the Saint Louis Billikens defeated the South Dakota Coyotes, 85-83, in overtime women’s basketball action on Monday night in Vermillion. The opening quarter of the 2024 women’s basketball season was a feeling out process for the Coyotes. After starting with a 4-0 run, South Dakota failed to get into a rhythm on offense and shot just 14.
3 percent from the floor in the first five minutes. The Billikens transition offense turned the first quarter into a track meet and led 18-11 after 10 minutes of play. Saint Louis dominated the interior game with 12 points in the paint, led by guard Kennedy Calhoun.
Senior Grace Larkins accounted for over half of the Coyotes first quarter points, with six. Halfway through the second quarter, USD had only scored three points, all from a Larkins’ and-one finish. Saint Louis shot 42.
1 percent in the first 15 minutes and USD had yet to find any solution for the fast-paced Billiken offense. Finally, New Hampshire transfer Adara Groman drained the first South Dakota three of the game, and the Coyotes showed life. At halftime, the Coyotes were able to cut the lead to 11 and trailed Saint Louis, 36-25.
Olivia Kieffer led USD with 10 points at the half, while Larkins had nine points and six rebounds at the break. For Saint Louis, Calhoun had 11 points, followed by Brooklyn Gray with nine. Saint Louis carried their momentum into the third quarter .
