After a tough non conference schedule the South Dakota State women got off to a strong start to conference play! Going on the road to UMKC and Oral Roberts and to go 2-0 was a great first step in getting things back on track.
Their first matchup was against the Cinderella team of the women’s summit league in UMKC. A team that got off to the best start in their programs history, picking up a win on their home court was huge. The team was led by freshman Paige Meyer who scored 22 points on 8/12 shooting. It was the first game the women had the starting five available that they were hoping to have most of the non conference schedule. Myah Selland had 19 and Tori Nelson and Kallie Theisen had 14 points also. It will be important for the Jacks to get multiple players in double figures each night to keep things going this way.
Game two against Oral Roberts was a great follow up on the road. Winning by 20 points 71-51. Four starters scored in double figures led by Paiton Burkhard with 14 points. The Jacks shot 42% from three. Going on the road and winning two games is always tough especially in the new travel team format.
This week’s games were just what the doctor ordered for the Jackrabbit women, knocking off UMKC and Oral Roberts to show that they are still one of the top dogs in the conference. They are now 16-0 in their last 16 conference regular season games going back to last season. The three point shot has been improving for the Jacks and they have gotten more aggressive getting to the free throw line.
It will be interesting to see if the women can keep this momentum moving forward over the Christmas break. They will be hosting both North Dakota schools next week in what should be another great weekend of basketball!
For more weekly Jackrabbit basketball updates listen to The Rabbit Rundown