Everything seemed to be going the way of the South Dakota women's basketball team at home Thursday night against McNeese State in the Women's Basketball Invitational semifinals, until they played the final 13 minutes of the game in the DakotaDome.  That's when the Cowgirls heated up, the Coyotes cooled off, and USD's season came to and end following a 71-63 loss.

The Coyotes used red hot shooting and a slew of rebounds to build a 36-28 halftime advantage, on the strength of 50 percent shooting, and a defense that held the visiting Cowgirls to just 31 percent from the floor, while outrebounding McNeese State 26-14.

Senior Tempestt Wilson, playing in her final game in Vermillion, led the first half charge with 10 points.

The Coyotes seemed to pick up where they left off after intermission, scoring nine of the first 14 points of the second half to extend their lead to 45-33 with 13:07 left.

From there, everything changed.

Over the last 13 minutes, the Coyotes would take 19 shots and connect on just four (21%), while McNeese State was going on a tear, outscoring USD 38-18 the rest of the way to secure the come-from-behind victory.

South Dakota (19-16) was led by Nicole Seekamp's 20 points.  Wilson added 15, Polly Harrington had 10.  Lisa Loeffler led the way on the boards with 11 rebounds.

The Cowgirls (21-14) were led by the Baggett twins - Ashlyn and Caitlyn, who combined for 45 points on 14-for-32 shooting and all five of their team's three-pointers.

McNeese State advances to face Detroit the WBI Championship game next Wednesday night.

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