The energy is palpable at the Swinney Center as the Kansas City Roos tip off their final homestand of the regular season, facing off against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. With both teams hungry for a positive finish to their Summit League campaigns, Thursday night’s matchup is shaping up to be a crucial chapter in their respective seasons. The Roos are hoping to snap a losing streak against the Jackrabbits, who have historically dominated this head-to-head series.
Kansas City fans haven’t forgotten the last time their team bested South Dakota State—a 72-67 win at home way back on February 15, 2024. Since then, it’s been a tough road for the Roos in this rivalry, with the Jackrabbits holding a commanding 25-5 lead in the all-time series. The most recent meeting, played on January 17, 2026, saw South Dakota State cruise to a 90-62 victory, with CJ Evans contributing nine points and seven assists for Kansas City in that contest.
But records and history don’t always dictate the outcome on any given night, and the Roos are determined to flip the script this time. They enter this homestand coming off a tough loss to North Dakota State, a game where Kasheem Grady II stood out by leading Kansas City with 15 points. Grady has been a consistent offensive force all season, reaching double-digit scoring in 13 games and leading the team in points on six occasions—impressively, he’s come off the bench for five of those scoring outbursts. His ability to spark the offense has given Kansas City a much-needed boost, especially in tight games.
Another name making waves for the Roos is Chris Dockery. Since the start of conference play, Dockery has been a statistical standout, averaging 9.4 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds per game. He’s been remarkably efficient, shooting 55.1% from the field and a blistering 47.4% from beyond the arc. His versatility on both ends of the floor has made him a key contributor, and his rebounding prowess will be especially critical against a South Dakota State squad that leads the Summit League—and ranks in the top 100 nationally—with an average of 36.90 rebounds per contest.
Defense has also been a point of pride for Kansas City, with the team ranking fifth in the Summit League in steals, averaging 6.3 per game. The Roos have recorded five or more steals in nine of their 14 league games, a testament to their aggressive approach on the defensive end. Jayson Petty, in particular, has emerged as a shot-blocking threat in recent outings. Petty has recorded multiple blocks in three of his last five games, a significant jump considering he hadn’t tallied more than one block in a game this season prior to this stretch. In fact, he’d only reached that mark four times in his entire collegiate career before this recent surge. His rim protection could play a pivotal role in disrupting the Jackrabbits’ inside attack.
On the other side, South Dakota State comes into Thursday’s clash with a 13-16 overall record and a 6-8 mark in Summit League play, tying them for sixth place in the conference standings as of February 25, 2026. The Jackrabbits have been led by the dynamic duo of Joe Sayler and Damon Wilkinson. Sayler paces the team with an average of 13.9 points per game, while Wilkinson is right behind him at 13.7 points per contest. Their one-two punch has kept South Dakota State competitive in most games, and with the team’s rebounding edge, they’ve managed to control the tempo against many opponents this season.
South Dakota State’s dominance on the boards has been a defining trait. Leading the Summit League with nearly 37 rebounds per game, the Jackrabbits have used their size and hustle to create second-chance opportunities and limit opponents’ possessions. This rebounding edge was on full display in their previous meeting with Kansas City, where they pulled away for a convincing win. The Roos, however, are hoping to counter with Dockery’s tenacity and a team-wide commitment to boxing out and crashing the glass.
Looking back at the season series, the Jackrabbits’ 90-62 win in January set the tone, but Kansas City is eager for redemption. CJ Evans, who tallied nine points and seven assists in that first matchup, will be looking to orchestrate the offense and find ways to break through South Dakota State’s defense. The Roos know that containing Sayler and Wilkinson will be no small task, but with improved shot-blocking from Petty and the collective effort on defense, they’re optimistic about their chances.
Beyond the stats and strategies, there’s an added layer of motivation for Kansas City. This final homestand represents not just a chance to climb the standings, but also an opportunity to build momentum heading into the postseason. The Roos’ faithful are hoping to see their team recapture the magic of that 2024 upset and send a message that they’re not to be taken lightly in the Summit League.
The anticipation around this matchup has been building throughout the week, with local media and fans alike buzzing about the possibilities. The Roos’ recent struggles against the Jackrabbits have only fueled their desire to turn the tide. Kansas City’s coaching staff has emphasized the importance of playing with energy and discipline, particularly on defense and in transition. "We know what South Dakota State brings to the table in terms of rebounding and scoring," one assistant coach noted in the lead-up to the game. "It’s going to take a full team effort on both ends if we want to come out on top."
Meanwhile, South Dakota State is looking to solidify its place in the Summit League standings and build some positive momentum of their own. With Sayler and Wilkinson leading the charge, the Jackrabbits are confident in their ability to execute their game plan and continue their dominance in the series. The team’s focus on rebounding and balanced scoring has been a recipe for success, and they’ll be aiming to stick to that formula against a determined Kansas City squad.
As tip-off approaches, the stage is set for a fiercely contested battle between two teams with plenty to play for. The Roos are seeking to end their regular season home slate on a high note, while the Jackrabbits are determined to maintain their upper hand in the rivalry. With standout performers on both sides and postseason implications on the line, fans can expect a hard-fought, entertaining game from start to finish.
The action is just getting underway at the Swinney Center, and with so much at stake, every possession will matter. Whether Kansas City can snap their losing streak against South Dakota State or the Jackrabbits will extend their dominance remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure: this Summit League showdown promises plenty of drama and excitement for basketball fans.