In a matchup that ultimately came down to a handful of possessions, St. Thomas (FL) emerged with an 80-67 victory over South Dakota State at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. The final margin of 13 points belies the competitiveness of the contest, particularly in the first half, which saw St. Thomas cling to a narrow 39-37 lead. South Dakota State, despite being ranked lower in the NET rankings, at 205 compared to St. Thomas' 106, remained within striking distance for much of the game.
The second half, however, saw St. Thomas pull away, outscoring SDSU 41-30 to secure the 13-point win. While the margin may suggest a decisive victory, the fact that the game was still within two points at halftime underscores the notion that a possession or two could have swung the outcome in favor of either team. SDSU's inability to capitalize on opportunities in the second half ultimately proved to be the difference, as St. Thomas was able to maintain and build upon its slim halftime advantage.
A 29-point performance was not to be found, but Ben Oosterbaan's 23 points, complemented by 4 rebounds and 2 assists, helped guide St. Thomas (FL) to victory. With the game on the line, his 8-13 shooting from the field, including 5-8 from three-point range, proved crucial in securing the win. The freshman standout, Nolan Minessale, also delivered a strong outing, as his 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists underscored his all-around contributions to the team's success.
Erupting for 22 points, Nolan Minessale's effort was matched by his impressive defensive showing, which included 2 blocks. His ability to score from beyond the arc, going 4-6 on three-point attempts, was a significant factor in St. Thomas (FL)'s offensive production. In support, Ben Oosterbaan's shooting from beyond the arc, where he made 5 of 8 attempts, helped to stretch the defense and create opportunities for his teammates, including Nick Janowski, whose 10 points, although on 4-11 shooting, still contributed to the team's overall scoring total.
Finishing with 16 points, Jaden Jackson's shooting struggles were evident, as his 6-18 field goal performance and 2-10 mark from three-point range hindered South Dakota State's ability to keep pace. Despite his team-high scoring total, Jackson's inefficiency was a notable factor in the outcome. His 3 rebounds and 1 assist also underscored the challenges he faced in making an impact beyond scoring.
The team's supporting cast, led by Damon Wilkinson and Joe Sayler, each contributed 13 points, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient to overcome the deficit. Wilkinson's 5 rebounds and 2 assists, paired with his efficient 5-7 shooting, were a rare bright spot, while Sayler's 4 assists and 5-5 free throw shooting were notable, even as his 3-12 field goal performance reflected the team's broader shooting woes.
Beyond the top performers, the remaining players on both teams generally stayed within their established season-long statistical trends.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction of a St. Thomas (FL) victory by nearly 12 points was largely borne out, as the team ultimately prevailed by 13. While the margin was similar, the actual score was slightly lower than anticipated, with both teams falling short of their projected totals. This outcome suggests that the prediction was generally correct in its assessment of the teams' relative strengths, but may have overestimated the overall scoring pace of the game.
A closer examination of the team statistics reveals that St. Thomas (FL)'s impressive shooting performance was a key factor in their victory. The team's effective field goal percentage of 63.8% was significantly higher than their season average, indicating a strong night from the field. In contrast, South Dakota State struggled with their shooting, posting an eFG% nearly 9 points below their season average. This disparity in shooting efficiency was a major contributor to the outcome, as St. Thomas (FL) was able to consistently convert their opportunities while South Dakota State was not. Additionally, South Dakota State's strong offensive rebounding rate of 38.2% was not enough to overcome their shooting woes, as they were unable to capitalize on these extra chances.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations, as they each vie for the SUMM conference tournament auto-bid. St. Thomas (FL)'s victory bolsters their position within the conference, potentially improving their seeding in the upcoming tournament, while South Dakota State's loss may jeopardize their chances of securing a favorable draw. Given their respective NET rankings, St. Thomas (FL) appears better poised to capitalize on this momentum, having already accumulated a more impressive overall record, whereas South Dakota State's struggles against higher-tier opponents may hinder their ability to navigate the conference tournament. Ultimately, this result underscores the reality that, for both programs, the only path to the NCAA Tournament is by winning their conference tournament, and St. Thomas (FL)'s win has unmistakably shifted the balance of power in their favor, rendering South Dakota State's already daunting task of claiming the auto-bid even more improbable.