GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Interstat) — A surging South Dakota Coyotes squad looks to rebound from a rare loss when they visit the struggling North Dakota Fighting Hawks in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup Wednesday. The Coyotes (21-7) enter the contest having won seven of their last nine games, though they are coming off an 81-68 home defeat to North Dakota State on Saturday. South Dakota previously handled North Dakota easily this season, winning 62-39 in Vermillion on Jan. 14. South Dakota is led by guard Molly Joyce, who has scored in double figures in seven consecutive games. She poured in a game-high 24 points in 40 minutes in the loss to NDSU and averaged 15.1 points over that seven-game stretch. Her consistent production will be central to the Coyotes’ offense. North Dakota (7-21) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 70-58 home loss to St. Thomas on Saturday. The Fighting Hawks have found wins scarce, with only two victories in their last 11 contests. The Fighting Hawks will rely on guard Mackenzie Hughes, who has been a bright spot during the difficult season. Hughes averages 17.4 points per game over her last eight contests, including a 22-point performance against NDSU and a 19-point, 5-assist effort against St. Thomas. Her ability to score and facilitate will be crucial against a stout South Dakota defense. The matchup pits one of the conference’s top teams against its cellar dweller, but the rivalry aspect adds intrigue. South Dakota will aim to reassert its dominance and solidify its standing before a key rematch with South Dakota State on Saturday. North Dakota, playing at home, will look to replicate its January upset of Denver and find a signature conference win against its in-state foe. Tip-off is set for Wednesday night at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.