Big Second Half from USD Proves too Much for DSU

In a game where the Dakota State men’s basketball team was leading for most of the first half, they could not overcome South Dakota’s offensive outburst, as they lost 82-64 to the Coyotes’.  

The Trojans led as many as nine points in the first half and grabbed a one-point halftime.

Both teams struggled from the field in the first two minutes of the game, but South Dakota grabbed the first lead of the game after back-to-back 3-pointers for a 6-0 lead. DSU would answer with eight straight points from three different scorers to earn an 8-6 lead with less than 14 minutes to go in the first half.

A steal by Kevin Jones Jr paved the way for the Trojans to grab a nine-point lead at 24-15 as Deshawn Kelly hit a lay-up with 6:52 to go before intermission. DSU would take a 32-31 lead into the half as the Coyotes’ trimmed their deficit.

In the second half, USD began to take control of the game, after a 9-0 scoring run helped to give them a 59-46 lead. USD led as many as 19 points at 70-51 when Paul Bruns completed a 3-point play with 6:48 left.

Dakota State could get no closer than 11 points after a 13-5 run, capped by a 3-pointer by Kelly. South Dakota closed out the game going on a 7-0 run, giving them the 82-64 victory over DSU.

USD outscored DSU 51-32 in the final twenty minutes, and was 19-of-34 from the field (55.9 percent) compared to DSU 13-of-29 field goals (44.8 percent).

Kelly poured in 25 points, including nine points coming from threes. Sam Muller added a double-double of 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. He also dished out four assists.

Four USD players scored in double digits, led by AJ Plitzuweit with 16 points. Paul Bruns added 16 points off the bench. Kruz Perrott-Hunt scored 15 points, while Tasos Kamateros tallied 11 points and eight rebounds.

Dakota State remains at 2-2 overall record, while South Dakota improved to 2-1 overall record.

The Trojans play their second exhibition game of the season Thursday evening, when they visit Sioux Falls with a 7pm tip off.