COYOTES TAKE OT WIN OVER DENVER
In Vermillion Thursday night, Bostyn Holt led the way with 27 points as South Dakota clinched a 92-86 overtime victory against Denver. Holt’s contribution included two crucial and-one plays, one in regulation and the other in overtime. Lahat Thioune contributed 19 points on an impressive 80 percent shooting from the field, accompanied by seven rebounds, five of which were crucial offensive rebounds. Paul Bruns returned to the starting lineup, adding 18 points, including four three-pointers, marking his third consecutive double-digit scoring game. Max Burchill completed the quartet of double-digit scorers with 11 points, including two significant free throws during overtime.
Despite Tommy Bruner, the nation’s top scorer, managing to put up 30 points for Denver, they couldn’t withstand South Dakota’s onslaught, leading to their fourth consecutive loss. Touko Tainamo contributed 21 points, while Jaxon Brenchley added 13 points and nine rebounds.
The game was a rematch of one of the season’s most thrilling encounters in college basketball, featuring eight lead changes and 10 tie games. Both teams displayed remarkable resilience throughout the match. South Dakota managed to maintain a narrow lead at halftime, thanks in part to Holt’s buzzer-beating half-court shot.
Although Bruner found his rhythm in the second half, South Dakota’s Thioune and Holt kept the pressure on. Bruner’s shot at the end of regulation forced the game into overtime.
Thioune’s impact became more pronounced in the second half and overtime, with his decisive layup giving South Dakota an edge. However, Brenchley’s plays for Denver kept the game tense until the final moments. Ultimately, Burchill’s free throws proved crucial in securing the win for South Dakota.
South Dakota’s performance saw them shooting over 44 percent from the field, with a strong start in the first half. They dominated the paint, outrebounding Denver and tallying 48 points inside while limiting their opponent to 28 points in the lane. Additionally, they matched their season-low turnovers.
Denver, meanwhile, managed to convert 16 of 23 free throws and hit 10 three-pointers but fell short in shooting percentage and turnovers.
Looking ahead, South Dakota is set to face Omaha and St. Thomas on the road, both games scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip-off and available for streaming on the Summit League Network.
