SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The vibrant basketball culture of South Dakota is coming alive as the Summit League men’s basketball schedule continues to captivate audiences. As the league enters its second week, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits stand as one of the remaining unbeaten teams, ready to clash with other top contenders.
Returning home, St. Thomas, riding high with a league-leading 12 overall wins, prepares to face the SDSU squad. Anticipation builds for this matchup, set to broadcast on FOX9 and live stream on the Summit League Network. Meanwhile, the Tommies have etched their names in history, securing the No. 25 rank in the Collegeinsider.com Mid-Major Poll for the first time. The team’s performance has been stellar, driven by standout players like Miles Barnstable, who earned the weekly peak performer accolade with an average of 25.0 ppg in recent wins over North Dakota and North Dakota State.
South Dakota State University
SDSU, the state’s largest and most comprehensive higher education institution, takes pride in its athletic prowess. Located in Brookings, which was ranked the 33rd safest college town by SafeWise in 2022, the university boasts a strong student body of 12,065 students from 47 states and 77 countries as of Fall 2024. The Jackrabbits’ basketball team, part of the NCAA Division I lineup, is looking to maintain their winning momentum.
In other league developments, Kansas City continues its impressive streak, extending it to six consecutive victories after overcoming South Dakota and Oral Roberts. The Roos’ defensive strategy has set the standard by holding adversaries below 70.0 ppg. They are preparing to face the Mavericks of Omaha in a highly anticipated match, set for national broadcast on CBSSN.
Meanwhile, Omaha’s Marquel Sutton has been a standout player, surpassing the 1,000 career points milestone and averaging 21.8 ppg over recent games. Teammate Lance Waddles’ standout performance against former competitors from NDSU, scoring 24 points off the bench, reflects the Mavericks’ tenacity.
South Dakota Coyotes, despite a stumble against Kansas City, bounced back with a dominant 91-point game against Denver, marking their sixth occasion to score over 90 this season. Their remarkable 51 foul shots, most since 2006, were instrumental in sealing the victory.
Summit League
The competition in the Summit League intensifies as teams like North Dakota State and Oral Roberts strive to make their marks. Oral Roberts introduced Jackson Skipper in recent games, who has quickly become a crucial contributor with impressive stats early in his starting position career.
Further captivating was SDSU’s Oscar Cluff, who notched career highs with 30 points and 19 rebounds in the triumph over Denver. Cluff’s achievements highlight South Dakota State’s dedication to excellence, extending beyond athletics into academic prowess. The institution is charting a path towards becoming an R1 University by 2031, focusing efforts in research areas including agriculture and life sciences.
The summit of excitement grows as these teams prepare for the upcoming fixtures. The strategic prowess of coaches, the sheer talent on the court, and the enthusiastic support from fans make every match an electrifying event to witness. For basketball enthusiasts, especially those cheering for the Jackrabbits, the games are more than a pastime; they are a celebration of community spirit and athletic achievement in South Dakota.