The Coyotes need just one more win (or a North Dakota loss) to capture the outright conference title. The last time USD accomplished that feat was the 2002-2003 season, when the Coyotes finished 25-7 and 14-2 in the NCC.
Yet, perhaps the more interesting stat is USD’s 10-0 record in the NCC. With two home games remaining, this is a Coyote team that could conceivably go undefeated (12-0) in league play. And in this rough-and-tumble, grind-it-out league, who would have thought that possible?
The answer is, nobody.
Remember, it was the USD men’s team that was picked to cruise to a conference title. The women’s team was picked to finish second, behind North Dakota.
But following a loss to Adams State back in late November, the Coyotes (24-1) have completely turned it around. Riding a 22-game win streak, USD is in the drivers seat for both the conference tournament and the regional tournament, which could both be held in Vermillion.
This is a USD team with incredible senior leadership and players with a set goal (think, title) in mind. And barring any major slip-up in the postseason, this is a team that could very easily contend for a national championship.
But before I get too ahead of myself, remember, USD has two home games: Thursday against Augustana, and Saturday against St. Cloud State. So, whether you’re a basketball fan or not, come out to the Dome and support this team. You won’t see another squad like it in a very long time.
USD women on some kind of roll
By virtue of Saturday’s 74-54 thumping of Minnesota-Duluth, the USD women’s basketball team has clinched a share of the North Central Conference regular season title.
The Coyotes need just one more win (or a North Dakota loss) to capture the outright conference title. The last time USD accomplished that feat was the 2002-2003 season, when the Coyotes finished 25-7 and 14-2 in the NCC.
Yet, perhaps the more interesting stat is USD’s 10-0 record in the NCC. With two home games remaining, this is a Coyote team that could conceivably go undefeated (12-0) in league play. And in this rough-and-tumble, grind-it-out league, who would have thought that possible?
The answer is, nobody.
Remember, it was the USD men’s team that was picked to cruise to a conference title. The women’s team was picked to finish second, behind North Dakota.
But following a loss to Adams State back in late November, the Coyotes (24-1) have completely turned it around. Riding a 22-game win streak, USD is in the drivers seat for both the conference tournament and the regional tournament, which could both be held in Vermillion.
This is a USD team with incredible senior leadership and players with a set goal (think, title) in mind. And barring any major slip-up in the postseason, this is a team that could very easily contend for a national championship.
But before I get too ahead of myself, remember, USD has two home games: Thursday against Augustana, and Saturday against St. Cloud State. So, whether you’re a basketball fan or not, come out to the Dome and support this team. You won’t see another squad like it in a very long time.
— Jeremy Hoeck