South Dakota, often celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities, was alive with excitement and spirited competition this past weekend as the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits and the University of South Dakota (USD) Coyotes clashed in a thrilling basketball rivalry. Fans across the state tuned in or flocked to the arenas to witness high-caliber collegiate action, underscoring the state’s rich basketball tradition and its enthusiastic support for local teams.
On Saturday, the women’s basketball teams faced off in Vermillion, marking another chapter in their storied rivalry. The SDSU Jackrabbits showcased their dominance, defeating the USD Coyotes with an impressive score of 77-59. This victory was a testament to SDSU’s potent offensive strategies and robust defensive play.
Brooklyn Meyer
Leading the charge for SDSU were Brooklyn Meyer and Haleigh Timmer, each scoring 15 points. Their collaborative performance paved the way for SDSU’s commanding 16-0 scoring streak in the first quarter, which set the tone for the rest of the game. This offensive burst built a robust early lead that USD struggled to close throughout the matchup.
The Jackrabbits’ cohesive team effort was further underscored by additional key contributions from players such as Mesa Byom, who added 13 points, and Katie Vasecka, who contributed 12. The depth of SDSU’s roster was highlighted with seven players managing to score at least six points each, illustrating the team’s formidable versatility and depth.
Later that day, the focus shifted to Brookings, where the men’s basketball teams battled at the First Bank & Trust Arena. The atmosphere was electric, with a record-setting crowd of 4,764 fans in attendance to witness another thrilling rendition of this classic rivalry. The Jackrabbits emerged victorious with a decisive 90-71 win over the Coyotes, much to the delight of the home crowd.
This victory improved SDSU’s men’s team to an overall record of 14-8 and 5-2 in conference play. Leading the offensive onslaught was Garry, who scored 19 points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds, showcasing his importance to the team’s success. Not far behind were Larson and Stoney Hadnot, with both setting personal scoring bests by contributing 18 and 14 points, respectively.
Further bolstering the Jackrabbits’ impressive performance was Oscar Cluff, who notched his 14th double-double of the season, scoring 11 points, capturing 14 rebounds, and dishing out a career-best seven assists. The prowess and depth displayed by the SDSU men’s team were instrumental in maintaining control over the game from the opening tip to the final whistle.
The victories by the SDSU Jackrabbits in both games are a source of pride for South Dakotans, reaffirming the state’s vibrant sports culture and the enthusiasm of its communities. The appetite for more isn’t far off, as these two programs will meet again later this season, with the women’s teams playing on Saturday, February 15th in Brookings and the men’s teams vying for supremacy in Vermillion on Sunday, February 16th.
As the season progresses, fans in South Dakota eagerly anticipate more exhilarating basketball action, underscoring the passion and commitment that towns and cities across the state bring to supporting college sports.