With a big goal performance, the USD men defeat Idaho State and improve to 7-2

Dec. 4 – VERMILLION – Five players scored in double figures to lead the University of South Dakota men’s basketball team to a 94-80 victory over Idaho State in the Big Sky-Summit Men’s Basketball Challenge on Wednesday night at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.

The victory and the scoring output laid the foundation for a hot offensive start for the Coyotes, who ranked 17th nationally in offensive points with 87.1 points per game entering Wednesday.

Chase Forte had 21 points to lead the Coyotes and added six assists, five rebounds and five steals in 31 minutes. Isaac Bruns had 18 points, including 14 points from his brother Paul Bruns, 11 points from center Cameron Fens and 10 points from Kaleb Stewart. USD surged 55.6% in the second half, building a 46-33 lead at halftime.

The Bengals (3-5) had 13 3-pointers, including six from AJ Burgin, while ISU also had four players in double figures. But Idaho State couldn’t overcome a 32.3% shooting percentage in the first half and the Bengals were also 13 of 23 at the free throw line.

The win moves USD to a 7-3 record in its first game in a week following a 96-79 loss at Nebraska on Nov. 27.

The Coyotes continue the Big Sky-Summit Challenge on Saturday, December 7, with a 1 p.m. game at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.