In a thrilling basketball showdown, the South Dakota Coyotes emerged victorious against Prairie View A&M with a score of 97-85. But it wasn't just any win; it was a statement game for two rising stars.
Isaac Bruns and Cameron Fens took center stage, showcasing their immense talent and leading the Coyotes to glory. Bruns, a consistent performer, has been on a tear lately, resetting his career-high in three of the last five games. And he didn't disappoint in this contest, dropping a game-high 29 points while grabbing eight rebounds and a steal. But here's where it gets impressive: he achieved this feat on an efficient 9-of-17 shooting.
And then there's Fens, the paint powerhouse. He dominated the inside game, setting new career-highs with 22 points and 14 rebounds. His performance under the basket was a sight to behold, going 10-of-13 from the field. And this is the part most people miss: his 14 rebounds included three on the offensive end, showcasing his relentless pursuit of the ball.
The first half belonged to Bruns as he lit up the scoreboard with 21 points, including two 3-pointers, in just the opening 20 minutes. The Coyotes' offense was on fire, scoring 54 points in that half alone. But the Panthers didn't back down, keeping the game tight in the early stages. However, South Dakota found their rhythm and pulled away, thanks to a 23-7 run over seven minutes, taking a commanding 20-point lead.
As the second half began, Fens took charge, scoring 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds to keep the Coyotes ahead. And it wasn't just Bruns and Fens; Uzziah Buntyn and Jordan Crawford provided valuable contributions, with Buntyn scoring 14 points and Crawford adding 12, including a crucial 3-pointer at the end of the first half to give the Coyotes a comfortable lead at the break.
The Panthers fought back in the second half, going on a 17-2 run to cut the deficit to just 7 points. But the Coyotes' resilience shone through, as they maintained a steady lead and closed out the game. Fens and Bruns combined for 10 of the team's final 14 points, sealing the deal.
This victory was a testament to the Coyotes' offensive prowess, as they scored their second-highest point total this season, shooting an impressive 47.5%. Their free throw shooting was equally remarkable, making 34 out of 44 attempts.
As the season progresses, the Coyotes sit at a balanced 6-6 record, with a strong 5-2 home record. With players like Bruns and Fens breaking out and others consistently contributing, the team is poised for an exciting run. And with several players setting new career highs, the future looks bright for South Dakota basketball.
Do you think the Coyotes can maintain this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament? Or will their success be short-lived? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments!
