The state of South Dakota, known for its rolling plains, historical landmarks, and vibrant communities, celebrated a basketball triumph as South Dakota State University (SDSU) claimed a 90-62 victory over Kansas City in a Summit League showdown. This thrilling game unfolded at the First Bank & Trust Arena, an epicenter of athletic excellence in Brookings, the state’s fourth-largest city.
The Jackrabbits’ impressive win upheld their reputation in the heartland of America, highlighting not only the skills of individual players but also the unity and spirit of the South Dakota community. With basketball being a central pastime across the Midwestern states, this game brought the people of South Dakota together, fostering a sense of pride and celebration.
In the words of SDSU head coach Bryan Petersen, “The score probably doesn’t show the true story of what this game was for our team. Obviously, it was great to make a run there at the end to spread it out, but a really good win for us.” This statement captures the essence of South Dakota’s resilient spirit and determination.
Bryan Petersen leading SDSU to victory.
The game itself was a competitive encounter, echoing the agricultural hardiness and frontier endurance that South Dakota is known for. Matthew Mors, a senior forward, played a pivotal role in the win, recording his first career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Mors commented, “We talked about it in the huddle where we thought we were just like this close to really separating from Kansas City…we knew that we were just a stop or two away.”
A significant highlight of the match was Joe Sayler’s stellar performance. Sayler scored 22 points, with 19 coming in a phenomenal second-half display, shooting a flawless 6-of-6 from the field. His remarkable run embodies the individual excellence fostered in South Dakota’s youth and sports programs, showing that local talent can shine on larger stages.
Joe Sayler: SDSU’s star player.
The strategic play that led to SDSU’s victory was not a solitary effort but a testament to teamwork deeply embedded in the South Dakota ethos. The team achieved a 61.7% field goal percentage, tied for their highest of the season, demonstrating discipline and precision that parallels the state’s agricultural prowess.
Coach Petersen articulated the importance of collective effort stating, “Joe can go on a run like that and honestly he can blow a game open, which he kind of did. I know there were other things that went into that. It wasn’t just him, but he was a major part of that. We’re just trying to get him to play even more consistently and continue to grow as an overall player, but that was really fun to see him go on that run in the second half.”
South Dakota, often noted for its bison herds and wide-open landscapes, is home to equally untamed sports enthusiasm. The victory against Kansas City brought the SDSU Jackrabbits’ Summit League record to 3-2, maintaining an overall record of 10-10. Such statistics infuse the community with optimism, reflecting their high expectations for local teams.
In the game’s final eight minutes, SDSU’s dramatic 32-8 surge was a crowning moment, one that residents liken to the majestic rush of the Missouri River that cuts through the state, unstoppable and awe-inspiring. “I’m hoping that these eight minutes that we played, our guys had a lot of fun,” Petersen shared. “We played extremely connected. We had a ton of energy. We played with emotion. We played selflessly and we made energy plays, and we got stops. Well, then that led to all the offense,” he added.
Alec Squires’ contribution off the bench was notable, with a career-high 14 points. As a redshirt freshman center, his performance underscores South Dakota’s emphasis on nurturing young talent and the importance of development programs within the state.
As SDSU moves ahead, they carry with them the hopes of a state that thrives on community and support, principles that are as sturdy as the state’s Black Hills and as enduring as the history marked by the Rushmore Presidents.
For more information about South Dakota State University athletics and future games, please visit SDSU Jackrabbits.