MANHATTAN, Kan. (Interstat) — Patience Williams sank a 3-pointer as time expired to lift the undefeated South Dakota Coyotes to a stunning 72-71 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats in a nonconference women’s basketball thriller on Thursday night at Bramlage Coliseum.

In a game defined by defense and missed opportunities, the Coyotes, who led for much of the contest, found themselves trailing by one point with just eight seconds remaining. After a Kansas State turnover, South Dakota advanced the ball and called a timeout to set up the final play. The inbounds pass found Williams, who connected on the game-winning shot from beyond the arc, sending the Coyote bench into a frenzy and silencing the crowd of 2,996.

The victory was a monumental one for South Dakota, which entered the game as a significant underdog according to statistical projections. The win improved the Coyotes to 4-0 on the young season, while handing Kansas State its first loss, dropping the Wildcats to 3-1.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths. South Dakota’s offense was more efficient from the field, shooting 25 for 62 compared to Kansas State’s 18 for 47. The Coyotes also found success from long range, hitting nine 3-pointers to the Wildcats’ three. Kansas State, however, lived at the free-throw line, attempting 39 free throws and making 32, while South Dakota went a efficient 13 for 15 from the stripe.

Kansas State’s offense was hampered by 19 turnovers, which South Dakota converted into 21 points. The Wildcats, by contrast, managed only 10 points off 12 Coyote turnovers.

South Dakota built its lead in the first half, taking a 34-28 advantage into the locker room. The third quarter, however, belonged to the Wildcats, who outscored the Coyotes 25-13 to seize a 53-47 lead heading into the final period. The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with South Dakota’s 25-point outburst ultimately overcoming Kansas State’s 18.

Tori Schlagel led the Coyotes with 15 points, while Josie Hill came off the bench to provide a crucial 13 points. Jenna Hopp was a force defensively, contributing 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Molly Joyce and Alyssa Bartlett each added 10 points, with Bartlett also dishing out three assists.

For Kansas State, Taryn Sides was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 19 points and adding eight rebounds. Gina Garcia facilitated the offense with 14 points and six assists. Ramiya White provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, and Tess Heal finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.

The game was a defensive struggle from the start, with both teams forcing difficult shots and committing numerous turnovers in the opening quarter. The contest remained tight throughout, featuring 11 lead changes and six ties, setting the stage for the dramatic final sequence.

South Dakota looks to continue its perfect start when it travels to face Idaho State on Sunday. Kansas State will aim to rebound at home against Texas A&M, also on Sunday.