USD women fall in regular season finale to Denver
VERMILLION, S.D. (USD) — South Dakota battled back from an early deficit to take a lead on Denver heading into the final quarter, but it was the Pioneers who came away with a 63-60 win Saturday inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center in Vermillion.
Saturday was Senior Day for the South Dakota basketball program, and four Coyotes were recognized prior to the game. Adara Groman, Sophie Haydon, Alexi Hempe, and Grace Larkins were honored.
Larkins and Hempe attempted to make the most of their final game in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, combining for 43 points on 16-of-31 shooting. Larkins recorded her 15th double-double in 30 games this season, totaling 25 points and 11 rebounds. Alexi Hempe added 18 points on six three-pointers.
The Pioneers started hot from the field, sinking seven field goals, all three-pointers, in the first quarter to open a 10-point lead. Hempe had three triples in the first quarter to score nine of USD's 13 points in the quarter.
South Dakota responded well in the middle two quarters. On the offensive end, USD converted 13-of-25 field goal attempts and scored 37 points in the second and third quarters combined. On the defensive end, the Coyotes held Denver to 8-of-25 shootings and 23 points.
The switch in momentum cut the Denver lead to just two at the half and after a three-pointer from Cassidy Carson gave the Coyotes a lead to start the third quarter, USD built a four-point lead entering the final quarter.
The Pioneers took the momentum back from the Coyotes in the final quarter of play, sinking a pair of triples and after Larkins tied the game at 60 with less than 35 seconds to play, Denver scored with three seconds left and held on for the win.
With her 25 points, Larkins moved into second in USD history in scoring. Her 2,065 points only trails Mandy Koupal's 2,142 points for the most in a USD uniform.
South Dakota now turns their attention to the Summit League Tournament at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. Action begins Wednesday and runs through championship Sunday, March 9.
NOTABLES
• South Dakota stands at 11-19 overall, 5-11 in conference play, and 9-7 at home.
• Adara Groman, Sophie Haydon, Alexi Hempe, and Grace Larkins were honored for Senior Day.
• Larkins moved into second in USD history in scoring at 2,065 points in her career after scoring 25 points Saturday.
• Larkins added 11 rebounds for her 15th double-double this season.
• Alexi Hempe poured in six three-pointers to score 18 points for USD.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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