As excitement builds for the college basketball showdown between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, fans and sports enthusiasts from across the nation are eager to witness the clash. Scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Lawlor Events Center, this game brings together two competitive teams, each determined to change their fortunes and build momentum in their respective conferences.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits, a formidable force in men’s college basketball, hail from the Summit League. With an 8-3 record, they recently secured a dominant 74-53 victory against Eastern Washington, placing them at the pinnacle of their league standings. South Dakota State University, located in Brookings, South Dakota, is renowned for its strong athletic programs and community support, with a rich history steeped in sports culture and pride in the Jackrabbits.
The Summit League, an NCAA Division I athletic conference comprising 9 full members, has a prestigious lineage dating back to its foundation on June 18, 1982. With headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the league has carved out a significant place in college sports history. It was initially established as the Association of Mid-Continent Universities and later renamed to its current title in 2007. The league offers a variety of sports, with South Dakota State playing a crucial role in its success story.
Josh Fenton, the commissioner since 2021, continues to lead the league with his vision for elevated competition and support for member schools. The league’s media deals with CBS Sports Network and Midco Sports ensure that fans across the country can follow the thrilling matchups through the 2025–26 academic year.
Summit League
In 2021, the addition of the University of St. Thomas from NCAA Division III to Division I underscored the league’s appeal and competitive environment. Such expansion highlights the robust nature of the conference, which holds nine men’s and ten women’s sports, fostering opportunities for athletes across the regions it serves.
Reflecting on the recent history between Nevada and South Dakota State, the Jackrabbits are 2-3 all-time against Nevada, which includes a 2-2 record in Division I matchups. Their last encounter occurred at the Crossover Classic in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 2021. Emerging victorious with a 102-75 win, the Jackrabbits demonstrated their prowess on their home turf.
The Crossover Classic, an early-season college basketball event held at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, has been a notable substitute since the cancellation of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. First held in 2020, the event brought together major teams as a celebratory return to competitive play amidst global challenges. Nevada clinched the 2021 tournament title after beating both George Mason and Washington in round-robin play.
Crossover Classic Sioux Falls South Dakota
As South Dakota State prepares for their upcoming game in Reno, excitement mounts. The Jackrabbits are guided by head coach Eric Henderson who brings a strategic mindset and emphasis on team defense, player development, and resilience. The team’s social media tactics on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have effectively engaged fans, creating a vibrant community spirit around the Jackrabbits’ endeavors.
The experience of playing in high-stakes tournaments like the Crossover Classic has bolstered the team’s confidence and camaraderie. Meanwhile, the Jackrabbits’ home, First Bank & Trust Arena, continues to be a fortified hub of athletic excellence, contributing resources ranging from sports medicine services to camps and clinics that promote athlete preparedness.
As Nevada strives to bounce back from consecutive losses against Loyola Marymount and Washington State, the game’s narrative will pivot around the intensity and tactics displayed by both teams. The Wolf Pack’s recent setbacks offer the Jackrabbits a strategic advantage, yet the unpredictability of sports ensures nothing is guaranteed.
For those looking to catch the action live, tune in via KNSN Radio/95.5 FM with John Ramey and Len Stevens providing insightful play-by-play commentary. Both radio and TV audiences can enjoy the simulcast through the archived network, ensuring global accessibility for this much-anticipated contest.
With both teams eyeing a vital win, South Dakota State’s ambitions are not merely centered on this fixture but on continuing their exemplary display throughout the season, contributing to the state’s proud sports heritage while carving a path to potential postseason triumphs.