USD Men Fall to St. Thomas in Offensive Slugfest
In a high-scoring and action-packed contest, the University of South Dakota men’s basketball team was defeated by St. Thomas, 98-92, in a thrilling game that saw both teams exchange punches on the offensive end throughout the night. The game, held at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, showcased explosive scoring, fast-paced transitions, and remarkable individual performances, but ultimately, the Tommies proved to be the stronger team down the stretch.
From the opening tip, it was clear that defense would take a backseat to the offensive fireworks. Both teams shot over 50% from the field, with USD and St. Thomas combining for a staggering 190 points. The game featured multiple lead changes, as each squad took turns with the advantage, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
For the Coyotes, star guard Xavier Fuller had an outstanding performance, leading his team with 28 points and five assists. Despite his efforts, USD struggled to contain the high-scoring offense of St. Thomas. The Tommies were led by their own standout performer, forward Luke Harris, who poured in 32 points, including several key baskets during crunch time.
St. Thomas’ ability to capitalize on fast breaks and convert in transition played a pivotal role in their success. The Tommies scored 22 points off turnovers, compared to just 10 for the Coyotes, which proved to be a difference-maker in the final minutes of the game. USD had no answer for St. Thomas’ sharpshooting guard, Tim McNamara, who contributed 20 points and made timely three-pointers that kept his team in control.
In the second half, USD mounted several comebacks, but they could not sustain the momentum long enough to overtake the Tommies. While the Coyotes’ offense showed great depth with contributions from Fuller, A.J. Plitzuweit (16 points), and Kruz Perrott-Hunt (14 points), they couldn’t get enough defensive stops when it mattered most.
The game’s tempo remained up and down, with St. Thomas holding a slight edge in offensive efficiency. Ultimately, their ability to execute late in the game, particularly in the closing minutes, helped seal the victory. A crucial three-pointer by McNamara with just under two minutes left, followed by clutch free throws, gave the Tommies a lead they would not relinquish.
With the loss, USD drops to 10-6 on the season, while St. Thomas improves to 11-5. The Coyotes will look to bounce back in their next matchup, but they will need to shore up their defense if they are to remain competitive in their conference.
Despite the loss, USD head coach Eric Peterson remained optimistic, praising his team’s offensive firepower but acknowledging the need for better defensive execution in future games.
“We know we can score with the best of them, but we’ve got to get better at stopping people when it matters most,” Peterson said. “We’ll go back to work, learn from this, and be ready for our next challenge.”
Both teams will continue their respective conference schedules, with St. Thomas next facing off against North Dakota, while USD will take on Western Illinois in their next outing. Fans can expect more high-energy games as both squads look to fine-tune their rosters ahead of the crucial postseason stretch.
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