If you’re checking the sd state basketball score after the latest double-header at First Bank & Trust Arena, you're likely feeling a mix of whiplash and adrenaline. Saturday delivered a Tale of Two Jacks. On one hand, you had the men’s squad putting a clinical 75-57 beating on the Kansas City Roos, finally finding some rhythm at home. On the other, the women’s team—usually the gold standard of the Summit League—stumbled in a 76-68 loss to North Dakota State that snapped a serious win streak.
College hoops in Brookings is rarely boring. But this year? It's kind of a roller coaster.
The Men Finally Clicked Against Kansas City
Honestly, the men’s team needed that win against the Roos. Coming off a rough 76-65 loss to NDSU earlier in the week, there were some loud whispers about whether this group could actually defend their home court. They answered by holding Kansas City to under 60 points.
Defense won this one. The Jackrabbits held the Roos to a dismal shooting percentage, essentially sealing the game by the middle of the second half. This brings the men to a 10-10 overall record, which sounds mediocre until you look at the conference standings. They are 3-2 in the Summit, sitting right in the thick of the race behind NDSU and St. Thomas.
Here’s the thing about the men’s sd state basketball score trends: they are incredibly consistent at home but struggle mightily on the road. They’ve only managed two road wins all season. If they want to be a threat in Sioux Falls come March, that has to change. You can't just rely on the energy of the Brookings crowd when the stakes get high in a neutral arena.
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Breakout Performances
- Jaden Jackson has been the engine lately. He put up 16 in the loss to NDSU and stayed aggressive today.
- Matthew Mors and Damon Wilkinson are providing the interior presence that was missing in the early non-conference slate.
- The bench depth is finally showing up, with the second unit outscoring opponents in three of the last four games.
Why the Women’s Loss to NDSU Matters
Most people expected the women to cruise. They came into Saturday with a 14-4 record and were absolute bulldogs in conference play, recently obliterating Denver 90-44. But North Dakota State didn't get the memo.
The final sd state basketball score of 76-68 in favor of the Bison is a wake-up call. NDSU moved to 5-0 in the Summit, while the Jacks dropped their first conference game of the year. It wasn't just a loss; it was a battle of unbeatens where SDSU got outworked on the glass and couldn't find the bottom of the net when it mattered most.
Brooklyn Meyer and Madison Mathiowetz are still a terrifying duo, but the Bison found a way to clog the paint and force the Jacks into uncomfortable perimeter shots. When SDSU doesn't hit at least 35% from deep, they look human. Saturday, they looked human.
The Silver Lining for the Jacks
Even with the loss, the metrics still love this team. They lead the league in three-pointers made per game (averaging 7.3) and their field goal percentage is still sitting at a healthy 45.9%. One loss to a surging NDSU team doesn't ruin the season, but it does mean the road to the regular-season title just got a whole lot steeper.
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Breaking Down the Standings
If you’re tracking the sd state basketball score to see where they land for the tournament, here is the current vibe of the Summit League.
North Dakota State is the clear villain right now. They are undefeated in conference play on both the men’s and women’s sides. St. Thomas is right there too, playing a brand of efficient, slow-down basketball that is driving the rest of the league crazy.
For the SDSU men, the goal is a top-four seed. You want to avoid that opening-round slugfest if possible. For the women, it’s all about the rematch. They play NDSU again on February 26th in Fargo. That game will likely decide who gets the #1 seed in Sioux Falls.
What’s Next for South Dakota State?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. The women head to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota on January 21st. They need a "get right" game, and the Fighting Hawks (who are sub-.500) are the perfect target for a frustrated Jackrabbit squad.
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The men have a week to prep for their next big test. Consistency is the keyword. We’ve seen them look like world-beaters and we’ve seen them look lost. Which version shows up next?
Actionable Insights for Jacks Fans:
- Watch the turnovers: The men are averaging 12 per game. When that number stays under 10, they win.
- Track Meyer’s minutes: She is the heart of the women's defense. If she gets in foul trouble early, the Jacks' defensive rating plummet.
- Home Court Advantage: If you’re betting or just following along, never bet against the Jacks at First Bank & Trust Arena unless they’re playing a Top-25 opponent. The "Brookings Effect" is real.
Keep an eye on the Midco Sports broadcasts for the next few away games. The sd state basketball score tells part of the story, but watching how they handle the physical play of the North Dakota schools tells you who's actually going to be standing in March.