The South Dakota State men’s basketball team has now done what only one other Summit league team has ever done; start conference play 14-0. Cleveland State is the only other team to ever do it and the Jackrabbits have a chance to go 15-0 with a win Thursday vs Western Illinois. The Jackrabbit men have also received AP votes for the second time in team history.
This historic season for the Jacks could get even better with a regular season conference championship being clinched this week. The Jacks would clinch the title with a win on Thursday and an Oral Roberts loss or a win on Thursday and Saturday.
Throughout the season we have seen the offense for SDSU change from being a inside out dominant team, to a four wide guard rotation focusing on the three point shot. Now they are going back to attacking the rim with great ball movement leading to opening up more threes Additionally, they have also improved their free throws this season. Last year, free throws were a huge red flag going into conference championship play.
The three ball has started to come back around for the Jacks. They went on a cold streak when they started attacking the rim more, but now they are starting to hit the three again and it is making them more versatile on offense. With depth in the front court, the Jacks will continue to look for production from their supporting cast in Matt Mims, Charlie Easley, and Alex Arians.
The biggest improvement we have seen this season has been on the defensive end of the court. While SDSU’s style of play naturally allow teams to score more , they have found renewed energy on that end of the court. Doug Wilson has returned to the top of his game, playing similar to his Summit League Play of the Year season from two years ago. He will be looking to have a big debut in the Premier Center in order for the Jacks to regain the Summit League crown!
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