Tyler Cain’s performance in Saturday night’s win over Nebraska-Kearney may cause opposing teams to rethink their offensive game plans.
Cain, a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward for the University of South Dakota, blocked a school-record nine shots in the Coyotes’ 79-68 victory Saturday night in the finale of the two-day DakotaDome Classic.
Cain’s defensive effort came in a game USD needed it the most. Early in the second half, Coyote 6-foot-11 center Steve Smith left with an ankle injury after banging into the media table.
Even after suffering a shot to the face late in the game - causing him to leave so trainers could attend to his bloody nose - Cain still finished with 11 points, six rebounds and three steals. But it was his nine blocks that dominated post-game talk.
“I didn’t know I had that many,” Cain said with a chuckle. “Having long arms always helps.
“I thought coach was joking with me when he told me in the locker room.”
Through four games, Cain has recorded 24 blocks for an average of six a game. In his second year, Cain is already fifth on the USD all-time career blocks list.
“He has the longest arms I’ve ever seen in my life,” said USD junior Mitch Begeman, who scored 18 points off the bench for the Coyotes.
“He may not score all the points in the world, but he does those little things. He gets rebounds, sets screens and blocks shots. He’s a very unselfish player.”
Against a young and fierce Lopers team that bounced USD from the regional playoffs last season, the No. 7 Coyotes (4-0) had to battle through arguably their toughest game this year. The UNK defense hounded the Coyotes all game, contesting every possession, even when USD built an 18-point second half lead.
“They’re a relentless team and they played hard,” USD coach Dave Boots said. “Defensively, I thought we were really good again tonight.”
Sunday at 3 p.m., the Coyotes face NAIA William Penn which will conclude USD’s 5-game homestand to open the season.
- - Jeremy Hoeck
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