ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Brooke Flowers tied the program's single-game blocked shots record, but a second half rally led South Dakota past Saint Louis, 71-67, Sunday afternoon at Chaifetz Arena.
The Coyotes moved to 4-1 to open the season, while SLU moved to 1-5.
"Rebuilds are challenging," head coach Rebecca Tillett said. "That's just the truth of the matter, and we're right in the middle of the work. Although we played well enough to be in a one-possession game near the end, none of us are satisfied with that. Everybody has to take a look at what we can do better."
Flowers finished with 12 points and nine blocks, tying Arlene Lampe's school mark in blocked shots set on February 14, 1995, against Southern Indiana.
"I feel like our defense is starting to come together," Flowers said. "We're all learning each other's strengths defensively. It's nice having guards who are pressuring the ball and getting the opposing guards frazzled."
Flowers helped the Billikens tie the team's single-game blocks record, as well. 11 blocked shots was accomplished twice at SLU, most recently by the 2020-21 Billikens.
The Billikens led 18-10 at the end of the first quarter, after holding USD to 14 percent shooting from the field and forcing nine turnovers.
A 9-2 run to end the half pulled the Coyotes back within five at 36-31 at the break. SLU forced 11 turnovers in the half, including five steals, and also blocked seven shots.
The Coyotes outscored SLU 19-8 in the third quarter, including ending the period on a 13-1 spurt, to take a 50-44 advantage.
After trailing by four with under three minutes to play, a Kyla McMakin trey put the Billikens up 65-64 with 1:45 remaining. USD outscored the Billikens 7-2 from there to pull out the victory.
"It's good to get these games out," McMakin said. "Now we have so much experience with these games that when it comes to conference time, it should be good."
McMakin finished with a game-best 18 points, along with seven rebounds and two steals.
Julia Martinez grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, while also registering eight points and four steals.
The Billikens head to Estero, Fla., next weekend for three games in the Gulf Coast Showcase, beginning with Baylor on Friday.
