Molly Joyce propelled South Dakota's women's basketball team to a 65-56 victory over Montana State in the WNIT Great 8, scoring a career-high 31 points. Her performance included effective shooting, notably 10-of-13 from the free-throw line and a crucial three-pointer late in the game. The Coyotes advanced to the WNIT semifinals, marking their second appearance in this round, the last being in 2016 when they captured the championship.

By the Numbers
  • Molly Joyce scored 31 points on 10-of-19 shooting.
  • South Dakota is now 26-9 and has 15 home wins this season.
  • Joyce's 31 points rank third in Summit League postseason history.
  • South Dakota has a 17-5 record in WNIT competition.
State of Play
  • South Dakota's offense adjusted after a slow start, outscoring Montana State 20-10 in the second quarter.
  • The Coyotes maintained their lead throughout the fourth quarter despite late pressure from the Bobcats.
What's Next

The Coyotes will face the winner of the Illinois State and George Washington matchup in the WNIT semifinals. This game will be important as they strive to replicate their championship success from 2016.

Bottom Line

South Dakota's victory, driven by Joyce鈥檚 standout performance, not only highlights the team鈥檚 resilience but also sets them up for potential glory in the WNIT semifinals, continuing their strong season and favorable home court advantage.