South Dakota State put on a show at the First Bank & Trust Arena, dismantling Oral Roberts 95-72 in a non-conference matchup. The Jackrabbits' high-powered offense was on full display, with Joe Sayler and Jaden Jackson leading the charge. Sayler poured in 24 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, while Jackson added 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. The duo's impressive performance helped South Dakota State build a commanding 58-39 lead at halftime, which they never relinquished.
Ty Harper was the lone bright spot for Oral Roberts, scoring 26 points in a losing effort. However, the Golden Eagles' struggles on defense proved too much to overcome, as they allowed South Dakota State to shoot at will. The Jackrabbits' 58-point first half set the tone for the game, and they never looked back. Kalen Garry also made significant contributions for South Dakota State, tallying 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had South Dakota State winning by 10.7 points, but the Jackrabbits far exceeded that margin. The actual 23-point victory was a reflection of their dominance on the court. The game unfolded with South Dakota State making a strong statement in the first half, and they maintained their intensity throughout the contest. Oral Roberts, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm, and their 39-point first half was a sign of things to come.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win improves South Dakota State's record to 11-12, while Oral Roberts falls to 5-19. This result will have implications for both teams' tournament chances, although it's worth noting that this was a Quadrant 4 game for South Dakota State and a Quadrant 3 game for Oral Roberts. For South Dakota State, the victory is a Quadrant 4 win, which may not significantly boost their resume but still helps to pad their overall record. On the other hand, Oral Roberts' loss, although expected, is still a setback in their pursuit of a stronger tournament profile.
As the season progresses, South Dakota State want to build on this momentum and secure more meaningful wins to bolster their tournament chances. With their current net ranking of 188, they still have work to do to become a serious contender. However, performances like this one demonstrate their potential and suggest that they could be a force to be reckoned with in their conference. For now, the Jackrabbits can savor this convincing victory and look to carry their momentum forward.