South Dakota fends off North Dakota State 76-72

Feb 3, 2018, 10:42 pm

FARGO, N.D. -- Matt Mooney scored 21 points, Triston Simpson and Nick Fuller 13 apiece and South Dakota fought off a furious second-half rally and beat North Dakota State 76-72 on Saturday.

Mooney had 18 points and hit all three of his 3-pointers to propel the Coyotes (20-6, 8-2 Summit) to a 44-24 halftime lead. South Dakota hit 7 of 12 from distance in opening up the 20-point advantage. But the Coyotes went cold in the second half, missing seven of their first eight shots, and two free throws by Deng Geu pulled the Bison (12-12, 4-5) within 52-42 with 12 1/2 minutes remaining.

Paul Miller scored 12 with two 3-pointers that began and ended a 14-6 spurt, and North Dakota State trailed 68-65 with 1:44 left. But Tyler Peterson scored seven straight for the Coyotes -- four free throws and a 3-pointer -- and Mooney made 1 of 2 free throws with six seconds to go to preserve the win. Peterson finished with 12 points.

Miller paced the Bison with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Tyson Ward scored 11 with 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season.