South Dakota State Wins the Summit Conference Championship

Last night, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits won the Summit Conference Championship Game over the Denver Pioneers 76-68. South Dakota held the best record in the Summit League with an overall record of 22-12. They also went 12-4 during conference play, and 11-3 on their home court. Big props to the Pioneers, however, who made it to the championship game after finishing with an overall record of 17-17. Although the Jackrabbits dominated both halves, the Pioneers only lost this game by eight points. Let’s look into how the South Dakota State Jackrabbits won the Summit Conference Championship!

Denver started off this matchup slow, and they had to chip away at a big lead before the first half ended. The Pioneers were down 14 points going into halftime by a score of 37-23, but that did not try to stop Denver from making a late run. With about four and a half minutes left to play in this game, the Pioneers went on a 9-0 run. Denver guard Jaxon Brenchley drained a three while 59 seconds were remaining in the game, Denver was now only down by five points. However, the Jackrabbits did a great job scoring from the free-throw line to solidify this 76-68 victory. We will find out South Dakota State’s next opponent on Selection Sunday, March 17th to see who the Jackrabbits will face off against next. 

South Dakota State forward Luke Appel finished this game with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. William Kyle III had a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double in 28 minutes of action and would earn Championship MVP honors. Jackrabbits guard Zeke Mayo put up 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, in the win. For the Pioneers, guard Jaxon Brenchley dropped 20 points, and grabbed nine rebounds, while other guard Tommy Bruner had 17 points, two rebounds, and four assists. Who will face off against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits next?