The SDSU women’s basketball team defeated in-state rival, South Dakota Saturday afternoon with a final score of 75-65.

The Jackrabbits came into the game on a six-game winning streak, 14-8 overall and 10-1 in conference play. The Jacks were looking to avenge their last loss which came from USD back on Jan. 8 in Vermillion.

USD sat atop the Summit League standings without a loss in conference play coming into today and riding a 16-game winning streak with an overall record of 18-4 (11-0).

SDSU was led by freshman guard Paige Meyer and forward Tori Nelson with 16 points apiece. Tylee Irwin added 14 points along with Haleigh Timmer who scored 11 off the bench.

Myah Selland was in foul trouble in the second half picking up her fourth foul midway through the third quarter. Coach Aaron Johnston talked about the girls stepping up when Selland was on the bench.

“It has helped that we have experimented with a lot of lineups and our versatility and length are very important,” Johnston said.

It was a rough go of it out of the gate for both teams to start the game. In the first quarter, both teams had some scoring droughts which led to a one-point lead for USD after one quarter of play.

The second quarter was where both teams perked up as it was back-and-forth as the Coyotes took a two-point lead going into halftime, 29-27. Chloe Lamb led the way with 12 points at the break for USD.

The second half started with buckets from both sides when Selland picked up her fourth foul with 5:54 left to play in the third quarter. USD was held scoreless for over three minutes and SDSU took advantage, winning the quarter 23-12 and taking a 50-41 lead going into the final quarter.

USD started the quarter hitting five field goals in a row behind Hannah Sjerven who led the Coyotes with 21 points and 16 rebounds for the game. SDSU answered back with buckets from Irwin and Meyer to keep the lead. SDSU made their free throws, going 11-11 from the charity stripe to seal the victory and set up a tie atop the Summit League standings.

Nelson talked about the crowd and how they were a difference-maker in today’s game.

“It was great to have a big crowd behind us for a big game and they really helped us win,” Nelson said.

“There’s no place like it,” Johnston said of Frost Arena. “It was an amazing atmosphere and were really lucky to have them.”

SDSU takes the court again at home on Thursday against Denver (8-16, 3-10) at 7 p.m. in Frost Arena.