Look, being a Jackrabbits fan this season hasn't exactly been a stroll through the prairie. We've seen flashes of brilliance, followed by some head-scratching moments on the road. But today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the vibe changes. It's a home game. It’s a "Blue Out." And honestly, South Dakota State needs this one badly after that rough trip to Fargo earlier this week.
If you’re looking for the south dakota state game today, you're looking at a 4:15 p.m. local tip-off (that's 5:15 p.m. ET) against the UMKC Roos. We're back inside the First Bank & Trust Arena in Brookings, and if history tells us anything, the Jacks play a different brand of basketball when they’re surrounded by that sea of blue.
The State of the Jackrabbits Right Now
Let's be real. A 9-10 record isn't what anyone expected at this point in the season. Sitting at 2-2 in Summit League play, SDSU is basically treading water. The 76-65 loss to North Dakota State on Wednesday was a tough pill to swallow. Jaden Jackson did his thing—scoring 16 points and trying to carry the load—but the team just couldn't find that second gear.
The defense has been... okay. They’re ranking about 157th in the country, giving up roughly 72.6 points a night. But against a team like UMKC, "okay" has to be "great."
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Breaking Down the UMKC Matchup
The Roos are coming into Brookings on a bit of a slide. They’re 4-15 overall and 1-4 in the conference. They just took a 99-83 beating from the "other" South Dakota team (USD) on Thursday. You’d think that makes them an easy target, but college hoops is never that simple.
- The Spread: Vegas has SDSU as a massive 14.5-point favorite.
- The Total: The over/under is sitting at 151.5.
- The Player to Watch: Keep an eye on Kasheem Grady II for the Roos. He just put up 21 and 7 against the Coyotes. If the Jacks let him get comfortable early, this 14.5-point spread is going to evaporate fast.
Why Today’s Game is "Blue Out" Important
It’s more than just a color scheme. The university is calling for a Blue Out, and they're also hosting the 33rd Annual Lamb Bonanza. If you’ve never been to a Lamb Bonanza game, it’s a whole thing. There’s a leg of lamb auction that raises scholarship money for students in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. It's South Dakota sports at its most authentic.
But back to the court. The Jackrabbits are 9-1 this year when they win the rebounding battle. UMKC, meanwhile, is -3.6 on the boards. If Oscar Cluff and the rest of the bigs can dominate the glass today, the Jacks should be able to dictate the tempo.
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How to Catch the Action
If you aren't heading to the Stanley J. Marshall Center, you’ve got options.
- Streaming: The game is on the Summit League Network.
- Television: Some regional outlets might carry it via ESPN+, but the Summit League Network is your safest bet.
- Radio: The Jackrabbit Sports Network will have the call if you're driving or just prefer the radio play-by-play.
Beyond the Basketball Court
It’s a busy Saturday for SDSU athletics overall. While the men's basketball team is the headliner, the women's team is also in action earlier in the day against NDSU (starting at 2:00 p.m.). Plus, the track and field teams are down in Vermillion for the USD Alumni Meet, and the swimmers are competing against Minnesota and St. Thomas.
Basically, if you’re a Jackrabbit, today is a marathon.
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The key for the men today is starting fast. In their recent losses, they've looked a bit sluggish in the opening ten minutes. Bryan Petersen, in his first year at the helm, is still fine-tuning the rotation. We need to see more consistent scoring outside of Jaden Jackson. If someone like Kalen Garry or Matthew Mors can get hot from the perimeter, this game could be over by halftime.
Honestly, the Roos are desperate. They've lost three straight. They’re shooting about 42.8% from the field, which isn't great, but they are decent from the free-throw line (over 72%). SDSU cannot afford to put them on the stripe 25 times and hope for the best.
Actionable Tips for Fans Attending or Watching
- Wear Blue: If you're going to the arena, don't be that person in a grey hoodie. It's a Blue Out.
- Check the Lamb Auction: It’s for a good cause and it’s a unique part of the SDSU culture.
- Monitor the Boards: Watch the rebounding stats. If SDSU is +5 or better at the half, they’re likely in total control.
- Post-Game Move: Remember that the Jacks head to St. Paul to face St. Thomas next Thursday. A win today is crucial for momentum before that road trip.
Get your snacks ready, find your spot on the couch, or get down to Brookings. The Jackrabbits have a chance to get back over .500 in the league and start the climb back up the Summit standings.