The South Dakota Coyotes built an early lead and held on for a win over the UNI Panthers 34-21 on Saturday at the UNI-Dome. The Coyotes built a 24-0 lead by halftime behind two touchdown passes and one on the ground.

UNI scored the first two touchdowns of the second half with a Vance McShane 62 yard run and a 28-yard hookup from Theo Day to Sam Schnee. The Coyotes would counter back though with 45 yard field goal and a Nate Thomas touchdown run to lead 34-14 by the end of the third. Theo Day hit Sergio Morancy for a 20 yard score with 3:37 left to tally the final margin.

UNI outgained USD 393 to 314 but the Coyotes had a 13 minute advantage in time of possession. The Coyotes took advantage of two big turnovers and a botched punt by the Panthers to aid in their victory as well.

South Dakota improved to 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in the Valley. UNI falls to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in MVC play.

Next up for UNI is a road trip to Brookings, SD to face South Dakota State next Saturday. That game has been set for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff and will be available on ESPN3.