Bruins fall in exhibition at South Dakota, 74-50

VERMILLION, S.D. – The Bellevue University women's basketball team traveled north to Vermillion, S.D., for a rare Monday morning contest, falling 74-50 to NCAA Division I University of South Dakota in an exhibition at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.

Gabby Moore and Ashtyn Arnold paced the Bruins with 12 points each. Moore added three three-pointers, while Kaylee Denker contributed seven points and a game-high nine rebounds. Bellevue shot 31.1% from the field, including 9-of-34 from three-point range.

The Coyotes built an early 13-point lead, fueled by Carley Duffney's 23 points and Grace Larkins' double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds. South Dakota capitalized in the paint with 36 points and scored 11 second-chance points.

Bellevue trimmed the deficit to three early in the second quarter on Moore's three-pointer but could not sustain the momentum. South Dakota used a strong third quarter, outscoring the Bruins 21-9, to secure the victory.

In the fourth quarter, the Coyotes limited the Bruins to just 10 points while adding 13 of their own, maintaining control and sealing the win. Bellevue managed two late three-pointers by Anna Long to narrow the margin.

The Bruins return to action next Tuesday, Nov. 26, for a 5:30 p.m. non-conference contest at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina, Kan.