OMAHA, Neb.— The Omaha Mavericks stunned the basketball community with their commanding 87-80 victory over South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits, signaling their claim to the Summit League’s top spot. This match, held on January 11, 2025, not only showcased Omaha’s tactical prowess but also marked the end of a 10-game losing streak against SDSU. It was a testament to the strength and unity demonstrated by the Mavericks.
Central to this game was the standout performance by the team’s dynamic duo: JJ White and Marquel Sutton, each contributing 24 points. Sutton bolstered his impact with eight rebounds and four assists, while White’s game was accentuated by his seven assists.
This event unfolded in Omaha’s Baxter Arena, stirring a mix of hope and lessons for the visiting Jackrabbits. Despite their spirited start, advancing to an 11-2 lead, South Dakota State’s youthful inexperience, as their coach Eric Henderson observed, revealed itself through critical errors—4 parts that Omaha capitalized on with veteran awareness.
Eric Henderson‘s leadership aims for resilience among SDSU’s youthful lineup.
“Our youthfulness shows sometimes,” Henderson admitted. “Omaha created a lot more physicality. They got to a lot more loose balls. They ended up ratcheting up the energy and we didn’t quite match that. At the end of the day things go your way when you’re the team that has the edge. We had it at times, but for the majority of the game, they had more of that than we did.”
Amidst these observations, South Dakota holds immense pride in its promising talents, notably Damon Wilkinson and Kalen Garry—prodigies who have elevated local sports narratives. Damon Wilkinson, standing at 6’10” and hailing from De Smet, South Dakota, is a redshirt freshman celebrated for his impressive athletic lineage—his mother being an inducted member of the Augustana University Athletics Hall of Fame. Wilkinson’s performance in this game, while understated, still illuminated his considerable potential as a centerpiece in the Jackrabbits’ roster.
Damon Wilkinson bringing his state championship-winning prowess to SDSU.
Kalen Garry, a sophomore guard distinguished for his 6’3” presence on the court, achieved a personal milestone, recording a career-high 27 points. A graduate of De Smet High School like Wilkinson, Garry was anointed the 2022 South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year, continuing to manifest the spirit and dedication that has defined his career. In this high-stakes game, he embodied a fighting spirit amidst challenges.
Kalen Garry continues to carve his legacy in South Dakota State basketball history.
South Dakota State’s team presently stands with a 10-8 overall record and 1-2 in Summit League play following this setback. This game reflected both the team’s resilience and its areas for growth, particularly in road conditions, where they currently hold a 0-6 record. Henderson speculates that the pressure of away games may exacerbate the team’s challenges, but he remains optimistic about the developmental trajectory of his squad.
“That’s playing into it a little,” Henderson said about the road game difficulties. “You can have two to three minute stretches where you’re not great, right? But unfortunately our not-great stretches on the road have been eight minutes, 10 minutes, and that’s just too much to recover from. That makes it really hard to get that edge back that I’m talking about. We’ll continue to grow, and we’ll find the energy and enthusiasm we need. Kudos to (the Mavericks). They’re a nice team and they had those things tonight and it got them a good win.”
Despite the defeat, South Dakota State University’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence remains unwavering. Their diverse athletics program, including sports such as wrestling, equestrian, and volleyball, alongside their basketball pursuits, underscores the region’s holistic approach to nurturing talent.
Further information on the Jackrabbits’ schedule and news can be found on their official athletics website, offering continuous updates on the team’s ongoing exploits across various platforms, including the Summit League Network and Jackrabbit Sports Network.
In this invigorating chapter of Summit League basketball, while Omaha Mavericks revel in their newfound victory, South Dakota State University Jackrabbits prepare to reflect, refine, and rise above, bolstered by their indomitable spirit and illustrious alumni legacy.