Grace Larkins leads South Dakota despite loss to Arizona State

In Bozeman, Montana, the South Dakota Coyotes recently faced a challenging matchup against the Montana State Bobcats after a narrow defeat to the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Coyotes, who are struggling with a 3-5 record, had an impressive performance from guard Grace Larkins, who scored 30 points during their last outing against Arizona State, although it wasn't enough to secure a victory as South Dakota fell 95-88. The Coyotes currently sit at the Summit Conference leader for defensive rebounds at 26.8 per game, demonstrating their competitive edge despite their overall record. Montana State, boasting a 6-1 record, enters this matchup with confidence, particularly highlighting their impressive performance at home where they have won all four games. The Bobcats are averaging 72.6 points per game and have a solid defensive strategy, allowing only 57.6 points to opponents. Their offensive game is strengthened by Marah Dykstra, who contributes 15.0 points per game, complementing a team that relies on consistent scoring and a solid defense. The Coyotes, however, are looking to improve their road game, having lost their only away match this season. They have the capability to score 73.5 points per game, indicating potential for a high-scoring affair against the Bobcats. The key to South Dakota's success may hinge on Larkins's continued offensive prowess, as she is also contributing significantly on defense with an average of 5.5 defensive rebounds and other key stats, including assists and steals. As the Coyotes strive to bounce back from their recent defeat, the stakes are high for them to make a statement against Montana State. This matchup is crucial not only for South Dakota to regain momentum but also for Montana State to maintain their home winning streak and solidify their ranking. Both teams are poised for a competitive game, with individual talents like Larkins and Dykstra making it an exciting contest to watch.