VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) -Roman Gentry scored the final 11 points for South Dakota on Thursday as the Coyotes pulled away for a 79-74 victory over Chicago State.
Gentry hit two free throws with 1:27 remaining to put South Dakota ahead 70-69, then hit a jumper and seven more free throws (in eight attempts) to secure the victory.
Gentry finished with 18 points and six assists for the Coyotes (14-9, 5-1), who won their fifth straight game. Kendall Cutler added 16 points and Jake Thomas and Tyler Cain each had 15. Cain also had five blocks.
Christian Wall led Chicago State (7-19, 2-6) with 20 points.
South Dakota had more turnovers (19 to 15) and fewer rebounds (32 to 43) than the Cougars, but made up for it by shooting 51 percent (24 for 47) from the field and going to the free-throw line 31 times, converting 23. Chicago State was 12 of 19 from the line.
