Maybe you were sitting at home on Sunday thinking that you really enjoy Summit League basketball and would love to watch more of it. The dilemma you had is you have a life and don’t have time to watch all this basketball. Well with a mixture of excitement over the fact that I did have time and concern over the fact that I had the time, I have you covered. This is what I think is important for you to know about each series in 10 or fewer points per series.
North Dakota State at Kansas City
- What an addition Arkel Lamar is for Kansas City. The 6’5 235 pound forward was added to the Roos roster 2 weeks ago and has played major minutes in those 4 games. In the close game, 1 loss Lamar had 19 points and then chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds in the Roos game 2 victory. Lamar was among the players nominated for Summit League Player of the Week.
- In spite of being without their top 3 scorers due to injuries, Kansas City earned a hard-fought split. Brandon McKissic, Josiah Allick, and Marvin Nesbitt all missed the series.
- Welcome back to the rotation Jaxon Knotek. The junior guard had fallen out of the rotation for the Bison but seems to be back. Knotek averaged 21 minutes per game and 10 points per game
- Freshmen forward Caden Boser may have been a hidden shooting star for the Roos. Boser went 4-6 from 3 in game 1 and 2-3 in game 2.
- North Dakota State continues to play starters big minutes and use a short bench. NDSU played 7 players in game 2 as Maleek Harden-Hayes missed both games and Jairius Cook missed game 2 with an injury
- Cool moment as freshmen Dezmond McKinney got a start in his hometown of Kansas City. Technically McKinney is from Raytown which is a neighboring town, but likely the community you will travel through if you head to Arrowhead.
- Kansas City for the 3rd time this season wins game 2 of a series. The second night in a row against that defense is tough to overcome
Omaha at South Dakota
- Stanley Umude has a fantastic series and captures his second Summit League player of the week. Umude averaged 28 points 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the weekend series.
- If it wasn’t for his teammate AJ Plitzuweit may have been the player capturing the player of the week honors. Plitzuweit scored 37 points and added 8 assists in an impressive game 2. The Coyotes needed everyone of those points in their 4 point victory.
- Just win baby. USD remains undefeated in conference play at 8-0
- Omaha freshmen La’Mel Robinson is starting to shine. Robinson scored 23 points in keeping the Mavericks in game 2.
- Omaha just unable to find a way to win games in the Summit this season.
- South Dakota heads to Brookings for a showcase series of undefeated Summit League teams this weekend as the face off with South Dakota State.
Western Illinois at North Dakota
- Coach Rob Jeter and Western Illinois get their first Summit League victory of the season and first of the career of first year head coach Jeter.
- Colton Sandage was switched to point guard for the first time all season and he shined. This was especially true in game 2 where Sandage had 28 points and 10 assists. His constant energy helped carry the Leathernecks.
- Filip Rebraca had a fantastic series, averaging 24.5 points and 10 rebounds over the weekend
- Rebraca also eclipsed 1000 career points for the Fighting Hawks
- If you are looking for some entertainment go to the Leathernecks twitter account. Two fantastic clips to watch. One is Adam Anhold in a move reminiscent to a WWE superstar getting up off the mat, while laying flat on his back flips back to his feet. The second clip is the clip of the Leathernecks players and coaches celebrating in the locker room. Both clips will put a smile on your face.
- Western Illinois continues to play one of the deepest benches in the Summit League as Coach Jeter searches for that right mix.
- Caleb Nero continues to impress off the bench, scoring in double figures 3 of 4 games since moving to the bench (the other game he scored 9).