Two UND double-doubles not enough to overcome South Dakota

February 1, 2025

KVRR Staff,

PHOTO/UND ATHLETICS

VERMILLION, S.D. (UND ATHLETICS)– The University of North Dakota women’s basketball team put up a strong fight but ultimately fell 76-66 to South Dakota on Thursday night at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. The Fighting Hawks now hold an 8-14 record on the season and 3-6 in Summit League play.

UND started with an impressive offensive effort, shooting 60% (9-of-15) in the first quarter but South Dakota closed the period ahead 24-22. Kiera Pemberton led the Hawks with nine first-quarter points.

Despite a competitive first half, the Hawks struggled in the second quarter, being outscored 19-12, and trailed 43-34 at the break. Seven turnovers hindered UND’s possession, only allowing 10 shots, converting four field goals.

The third quarter saw UND continue to battle, with defensive intensity the Hawks held USD to just 33.3% (5-of-15) from the field. With four rebounds in the third Kiera Pemberton reached double-double status. The Coyotes closed out the third quarter ahead 59-46.

In the fourth, UND showed resilience, cutting the deficit to as little as five points. They outscored South Dakota 20-17 in the final frame, but the Hawks couldn’t over come the Yotes lead.

The Fighting Hawks will return home looking to rebound as they take on South Dakota State on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.

Postgame Notes:

Kiera Pemberton led UND with 19 points and a game-high 17 rebounds, securing her fifth double-double of the season.
Jocelyn Schiller contributed 15 points and a team-high three assists.
Mikayla Aumer added 11 points and 10 rebounds for her first career double-double.
Nevaeh Ferrara Horne and Walker Demers provided nine and six points, respectively.
UND outshot South Dakota from the field at 44.0% (22-of-50) compared to 38.1% (24-of-63).
From three-point range, UND outshot USD 33.3% (7-of-21) to 22.9% (8-of-35).
Free-throw shooting was a challenge for the Hawks, as they hit 60% (15-of-25), while South Dakota capitalized at 87% (20-of-23).
The Coyotes forced 21 UND turnovers, converting them into 31 points, while UND managed just six points off 12 turnovers.
The Hawks battled on the boards, outrebounding South Dakota 41-32.