South Dakota State University (SDSU) is set to face their longstanding rival, North Dakota State University (NDSU), in the Summit League championship game on Sunday afternoon. This matchup marks the second time in three seasons that these two teams will meet for the Summit League title.
SDSU enters the game with an impressive nine-game winning streak, which includes a recent 59-44 victory over the Bison on February 25. Historically, the Jackrabbits have had great success in the Summit League Tournament, boasting a formidable 43-5 record and securing a total of 12 tournament titles, including the last three consecutive championships. The Jackrabbits have a strong presence in championship games, holding a 12-2 record in Summit League title matches and a remarkable 4-0 record against NDSU in tournament play.
Key players for SDSU have been seniors Brooklyn Meyer and Madison Mathiowetz, both of whom have excelled during the Summit League tournament, averaging over 20 points in the last two contests. Meyer’s impressive individual field goal percentage of .655 ranks her fourth in the nation, contributing to the team’s overall ranking of seventh in the country at .488. Meyer has also surpassed 2,000 career points this season, setting a new record for single-season scoring at South Dakota State.
Mathiowetz has been an asset as well, averaging 13.8 points per game and scoring at least 15 points in 11 of the last 15 games. Emilee Fox, recognized as the top 3-point shooter in the nation with a shooting percentage of .481, adds to the team’s offensive firepower, contributing 8.3 points per game. Additionally, Hadley Thul has played a pivotal role as a starter in the last nine games, averaging 9.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 53%.
The highly anticipated clash will take place at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, where No. 2 South Dakota State aims to capture yet another Summit League championship against No. 1 North Dakota State. As both teams prepare for this exciting competition, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling showdown that promises to deliver high stakes and outstanding athletic performance.