Redbirds Defeat USD in Close Game

South Dakota rallied late but fell short against Missouri State

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:00am

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In a close college basketball matchup, the Missouri State Redbirds defeated the University of South Dakota Coyotes 67-60. The Coyotes trailed by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter but managed to cut the deficit to just 5 points late in the game before ultimately falling short.

Why it matters

This game was an important conference matchup between two top teams in the region. The Redbirds' victory helps solidify their position in the standings, while the Coyotes' late rally shows they have the potential to compete with the best teams in the conference.

The details

The Coyotes fell behind early and trailed the Redbirds 58-45 with 7:07 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, they were able to cut the deficit to 60-55 with 2:45 left and then 62-57 with just 45 seconds remaining, making it a close finish. But the Redbirds held on for the 67-60 victory.

  • The game was played on April 2, 2026.
  • The Coyotes trailed 58-45 with 7:07 left in the fourth quarter.
  • The Coyotes cut the deficit to 60-55 with 2:45 remaining.
  • The Coyotes cut the deficit to 62-57 with 45 seconds left.

The players

Missouri State Redbirds

The men's basketball team from Missouri State University, a Division I program that competes in the Missouri Valley Conference.

University of South Dakota Coyotes

The men's basketball team from the University of South Dakota, a Division I program that competes in The Summit League.

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The takeaway

This close game between two strong conference opponents showcases the competitiveness of college basketball in the region. While the Redbirds emerged victorious, the Coyotes' late rally demonstrated their ability to battle back against a formidable opponent, hinting at their potential for the rest of the season.