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By the People, for the People
South Dakota cruises to 73-57 win over Pepperdine in WNIT
Coyotes to host Montana State in WNIT Great 8
Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:21am
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The South Dakota Coyotes women's basketball team cruised to a 73-57 victory over Pepperdine in the WNIT Super 16 on Thursday night in Vermillion, South Dakota. The Coyotes opened the game on a 14-0 run and led 32-9 after the first quarter. South Dakota continued to grow the lead, leading by as much as 28 points in the second quarter before Pepperdine made a late push in the second half. The Coyotes were led by 20 points each from Chloe Williams and Liv Robles, who also moved into the USD single season top 10 list in scoring with 550 points this year. South Dakota will host Montana State in the WNIT Great 8 on Sunday.
Why it matters
This win advances the South Dakota Coyotes to the Great 8 of the WNIT for just the third time in program history and the first time since 2018. The Coyotes have been dominant at home this season, going 14-3 inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, and will look to continue that success against Montana State on Sunday.
The details
The Coyotes opened the game on a 14-0 run, with Chloe Williams scoring the first 14 points. Williams finished the game with 20 points, including four 3-pointers in that opening stretch. South Dakota continued to build on the lead, going up by as much as 28 points in the second quarter before Pepperdine made a late push in the second half, cutting the deficit to 7 with 7 minutes to play. However, the Coyotes steadied the ship and held on for the 16-point victory. South Dakota shot the ball extremely well, making 11 3-pointers at a 47.8% clip, their highest percentage of the season.
- The Coyotes opened the game on a 14-0 run.
- South Dakota led 32-9 after the first quarter.
- South Dakota led 51-28 at halftime.
- Pepperdine cut the deficit to 7 with 7 minutes to play in the game.
- The game was played on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The players
Chloe Williams
A South Dakota player who scored the first 14 points of the game and finished with 20 points.
Liv Robles
A South Dakota player who scored 20 points and moved into the USD single season top 10 list in scoring with 550 points this year.
Pepperdine
The opposing team that South Dakota defeated 73-57 in the WNIT Super 16.
Montana State
The team that South Dakota will host in the WNIT Great 8 on Sunday.
What’s next
The Coyotes will host Montana State on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1 p.m. inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
The takeaway
South Dakota's dominant performance at home in the WNIT continues, as they advance to the Great 8 for the first time since 2018. The Coyotes' ability to shoot the ball well from 3-point range and get balanced scoring contributions will be key as they look to keep their tournament run alive against Montana State on Sunday.
