POCATELLO, Idaho (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and a dramatic final possession, the South Dakota Coyotes escaped Holt Arena with a 64-63 victory over the Idaho State Bengals in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 753, was not decided until the final second. Trailing by one point, Idaho State’s Sophia Covello drove for a layup with two seconds remaining, giving the Bengals a 63-62 lead and seemingly a comeback victory.

South Dakota, however, had one last chance. Inbounding the ball, the Coyotes worked it to Angelina Robles, who drained a 3-pointer as time expired to snatch the win and keep South Dakota’s perfect season intact.

The contest was a grind from the opening tip. Both teams struggled offensively, with South Dakota shooting 20 of 62 from the floor and Idaho State finishing 20 of 58. The first quarter was particularly brutal, ending with the Coyotes holding a 9-6 lead after the two teams combined for more turnovers than made field goals.

South Dakota maintained a slim advantage through the first half, leading 22-20 at the break. The Coyotes began to find a rhythm in the third quarter, extending their lead, but Idaho State consistently answered, primarily through the play of Covello and Piper Carlson. The Bengals outscored South Dakota 21-19 in the period to stay within striking distance.

The fourth quarter became a back-and-forth affair. Idaho State’s ability to score in the paint, where they held a 30-20 advantage, kept them in the game. The Bengals also capitalized on South Dakota’s mistakes, scoring 12 points off 14 Coyote turnovers.

South Dakota’s victory was anchored by a dominant performance on the glass, particularly from forward Patience Williams. The 6-foot-1 sophomore from Minneapolis, Minnesota, pulled down a game-high 18 rebounds to go with nine points. Her work on the boards helped South Dakota to a 44-39 overall rebounding edge and 11 offensive rebounds.

Elise Turrubiates recorded a double-double for the Coyotes, scoring 11 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Jenna Hopp led South Dakota scorers with 13 points.

For Idaho State, Sophia Covello and Piper Carlson each scored 16 points to lead all scorers. Carlson, a 6-foot-1 forward from Albertville, Minnesota, added six rebounds, while Covello, a guard from Roseville, California, dished out three assists. The Bengals’ defense was formidable, blocking six shots compared to South Dakota’s two, with Alyse Aby and Tasia Jordan contributing to the effort.

Despite the loss, Idaho State was more efficient with the ball, committing only nine turnovers. Kacey Spink facilitated the offense with six assists and added six points and six rebounds.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths. South Dakota’s success from beyond the arc, where they hit 8 of 22 attempts, ultimately proved decisive against an Idaho State team that attempted only nine 3-pointers, making three. The Coyotes also were more effective at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 21 attempts, while the Bengals left points on the table, making 20 of 32.

With the win, South Dakota improves to 5-0 on the young season. The Coyotes will host Valparaiso on Friday. Idaho State falls to 3-1 and will travel to Honolulu to face Portland on Friday as part of a multi-team event.