South Dakota falls short despite Chase Forte's strong performance

In Vermillion, South Dakota, the Coyotes faced the Idaho State Bengals following a recent game where they lost to the Nebraska Cornhuskers with a final score of 96-79. This game marked a challenging moment for the Coyotes, despite some standout individual performances, including a notable 20 points scored by Chase Forte. The Coyotes, with a record of 6-3, had been dominating on their home court, boasting a perfect home record of 5-0 prior to this upcoming match against Idaho State. Their overall scoring average is impressive, standing at 87.1 points per game, and they have consistently outscored their opponents by an average of 10.7 points. Idaho State, on the other hand, entered this matchup with a record of 3-4 and had struggled during away games, securing only one victory in five attempts on the road. Their scoring average is lower compared to that of South Dakota, with the Bengals averaging 72.9 points per game and allowing 64.4 points to opponents, which reflects their ninth ranking in the Big Sky conference. The Bengals have relied heavily on their three-point shooting, averaging 7.7 made shots beyond the arc per game, although this is slightly below the average number of three-pointers allowed by the Coyotes. The difference in scoring and defensive capabilities sets a contrasting atmosphere for the upcoming game, where South Dakota seeks to maintain its strong home performance against a struggling Idaho State team. The fixture on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST is crucial for both teams: South Dakota aims to bounce back after their loss and reinforce their home dominance, while Idaho State looks for a chance to improve their road record. Players to watch include Kaleb Stewart from South Dakota, averaging 10.4 points and 1.9 three-pointers per game, and Dylan Darling from Idaho State, who has been more effective in shooting with an average of 13.1 points and a shooting percentage of 37.5%. This matchup is not just about the statistics; it symbolizes a critical juncture for both teams as they navigate the early parts of the season. Fans and analysts will be keenly watching how South Dakota responds to their recent disappointment against Nebraska and whether Idaho State can capitalize on the opportunity to improve their standings in the conference. The outcome could have implications for their respective seasons and give insights into each team's future potential.