VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — Trevor Gruis had 19 points with 10 rebounds and Brandon Bos added 15 points as South Dakota defeated Denver 59-54 in the Summit League opener for both teams Saturday.
The Coyotes (6-9, 1-0) surged ahead in the second half as Tyler Flack had two jumpers and a dunk to fuel an 11-3 run and push the lead to 49-38 near the midway mark.
Denver (7-9, 0-1) looked to climb back as Brett Olson sank two free throws to ignite a quick 8-2 surge, but Karim Rowson answered with a layup and 3-pointer to make it 56-46 with 5:57 remaining.
Olson drilled a 3-pointer and two free throws to pull within three, but the Pioneers missed three 3-point attempts and two free throws in the final minute.
