For the first time in program history, the Jackrabbit men are 6-0 in conference play. This may be surprising for most but this is their best start and the Jacks are hoping to continue their dominating start to the season.
The Jacks haven’t skipped a beat since Noah Freidel left the starting lineup. Behind the consistent play of Baylor Scheierman and Doug Wilson, the Jackrabbits have a few surprises in players stepping up that will help them not just this year, but for years to come! Since conference play we have seen a solid four guard, one forward rotation for the Jackrabbit men. Charlie Easley and Zeke Mayo have slid in to starting roles and haven’t looked back since. Zeke’s solid offensive play in the starting lineup for the Jacks has helped tremendously. Luke Appel and Zeke have both grown this season and their consistent play will be a big reason for the Jackrabbits success throughout the season. One thing that has surprised a lot of fans is the giant step forward in shooting Matt Mimms has taken this season. He was shooting around 38% from three last year ; this season he is shooting 55% from three. If that continues Matt is going to be one of the best shooters in the conference and an important part in keeping defenses honest against SDSU’s spread out, four guard rotation.
Looking forward, you obviously don’t want to start counting the chickens before they hatch but, an undefeated conference season is definitely in reach. The toughest remaining games are Oral Roberts on the road and North Dakota State at home. For the Jackrabbits, in order to stay undefeated, they will need to tighten up on defense. They play a high possession style of basketball that will allow for teams to score more; however, allowing Omaha to shoot above 50% from the field and three is not ideal when they go against other Summit League teams like Western Illinois, Oral Roberts and North Dakota State. If they can show improvement defensively they will be one of the more complete teams we have seen in recent memory!
These upcoming games against Western Illinois and St. Thomas present some problems for the Jackrabbits. St. Thomas likes to score from behind the three point line so chasing off the line will be big on this Thursday. While Western has scores, the Jacks should be able to get two road wins.
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