PUEBLO, Colo.—Junior forward Rane Mergen made the most of his first start of the season Friday, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead unbeaten South Dakota to a 78-52 win over Regis University at the Colorado State-Pueblo Classic.
Mergen started in place of injured Steve Smith for the Coyotes, who improved to 6-0 on the season. Mergen was 6-for-7 from the field and 4-for-7 from the free throw line. He helped the Coyotes to a 47-28 rebounding advantage and a 23-7 edge in second-chance scoring.
USD took control of the game in the first half by jumping out to an 11-0 lead in the first five minutes. The Coyotes shot 47 percent from the field, while limiting the Rangers (3-1) to just 19 percent on 5-for-27 shooting. USD led 35-18 at the half.
Eric Hall led the Coyotes in scoring with 19 points, including four 3-pointers. Dylan Grimsley added 13 points.
Tyler Cain blocked seven shots and pulled down 10 rebounds for USD.
Aaron Sutton came off the bench to lead Regis with 11 points.
