Game Story
Who had Omaha beating SDSU today? Okay, for the Omaha followers who did, who had Omaha controlling the entire game? I know I didn’t! Eighth-seeded Omaha defeated top-seeded South Dakota State 52-40 to kick off the 2021 Summit League Tournament. Here is my recap from a historic game inside the Sanford Pentagon.
Listen, SDSU definitely could have benefitted from a big crowd today, but between Omaha’s suffocating defense, and SDSU shooting it poorly, I think Omaha still gets it done. They were the better team today, and they were more prepared.
How’d I do in my prediction?
In my prediction article, I had Omaha controlling the boards and getting to the free throw line more than SDSU. Omaha went 14-24 from the free-throw line (58.3%), while SDSU went 8-10 (80%). Although SDSU out-rebounded Omaha 42-35, it sure didn’t feel like it. Omaha controlled the boards through three quarters and kept the Jackrabbits to only 11 second chance points the whole game. I had SDSU winning by 15-20. NOPE! Congratulations to Omaha!
Game Notes
The Mavericks got out to an early rebounding advantage, but couldn’t quite take advantage of SDSU’s missed shots. Ya know the whole David vs Goliath story? I think that’s applicable here. One thing that was apparent right away was the Mavericks would not be backing down from the mighty Jackrabbits. SDSU looked poor offensively and couldn’t get things going, committing 5 turnovers in the first quarter. The Jackrabbit’s first 2-point FG didn’t even come until 3 seconds left. Nonetheless, they went into the second quarter with an 11-10 advantage over Omaha.
Omaha came out with a quick bucket to take a 12-11 lead. Omaha’s defense continued to cause issues for SDSU; additionally, they did an excellent job of not fouling while playing physical. Mariah Murdie for Omaha hit a three to take a 27-24 lead, which was followed by a pair of free throws by Pilakouta to end the half on a 7-0 run and take a 29-24 lead going into halftime. SDSU went an ice-cold 8-28 from the field in the first half (28.6%); Omaha went 12-26 (46.2%). What was the story of the first two games between these teams continued for the Jackrabbits today, as they were also cold from the three-point line, going 5-14 in the first half. Biggest factor of the first half: Omaha outscored SDSU 18-4 in the paint.
Omaha picked up right where they left off coming out of halftime. Claire Killian scored a quick five points to extend the Mavericks run to 12-0. SDSU continued to struggle from the field and capitalize on Omaha getting into some foul trouble. Omaha kept getting good looks inside and had a 40-28 lead with 3:42 to go in the quarter. A three by SDSU’s Madysen Vlastuin and a pair of free throws by Thueuninck cut the lead to seven. Omaha was up 40-33 after three quarters.
I have to say I was expecting SDSU, at any point, to start knocking down some shots. It never happened. After shooting 16.7% from the field in the 3rd quarter, they would continue to miss shots after shot after shot. One player who was quiet most of the game was SDSU’s Paiton Burkhard. She had 8 points very early in the game, but couldn’t get any good looks to try and get her team going. Both teams continued to get after it defensively, but ultimately, Omaha kept getting big rebounds and forcing SDSU to take bad shots. Omaha coach Carrie Banks had a tremendous gameplan and her team executed it beautifully. SDSU shoots 16.7% from the field in the 4th quarter and is unable to get anything going. Omaha wins 52-40 and advances to the semifinals of the Summit League Tournament. MADNESS!
Player Notes
Omaha Players
Sarah Schmitt finished with 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists; Josie Filer finished with 19 points (game-high), 12 rebounds and 2 steals; Mariah Murdie finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 steals.
SDSU Players
Paiton Burkhard finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds; Tylee Irwin finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds.
Final Game Stats
SDSU went 13-58 from the field (22.4%); Omaha went 18-46 from the field (39.1%).
SDSU went 6-24 from the three-point line (25%); Omaha went 2-11 (18.2%) from the three point line
SDSU out-rebounded Omaha 42-35.
Omaha led the game for over 27 minutes.
Omaha had 5 blocks and 14 steals.