South Dakota State Jackrabbits are gearing up for their match against the Northern Iowa Panthers this Saturday afternoon, which marks the second game of their current three-game homestand. The Jackrabbits come with considerable momentum, having achieved five consecutive victories, boosting their season record to 8-2. This impressive run includes notable triumphs over top-ranked Oregon and impressive performances during the Summit League-Big Sky Challenge just last week.
Most recently, the Jackrabbits dominated Dakota Wesleyan with a resounding 76-48 victory, where standout Haleigh Timmer notched 26 points, leading her team to victory. Timmer’s performance has been pivotal this season, as she is among the top players expected to shine against Northern Iowa.
On the other side of the court, the Northern Iowa Panthers, currently standing at 5-4, also present their set of challenges. Despite their record, all four of UNI’s losses have been by six points or fewer, exemplifying their resilience. Their roster features Maya McDermott, who is currently sixth nationwide with 23.0 points per game and will surely be a player to watch.
This upcoming face-off between SDSU and UNI marks the eighth meeting of these teams over the past decade, and both squads will be eager to earn bragging rights. Notably, this game will also be the 800th of head coach Aaron Johnston's career, adding even more significance to this matchup.
After facing tough competition against teams like now-No. 9 Duke and unbeaten No. 25 Georgia Tech earlier this season, the Jackrabbits quickly bounced back. Their trend of closely contested games has been evident; six of their ten games this season have been decided by eight points or fewer, with SDSU recording five wins from those tight scenarios. This spirited approach showcases the tenacity of this year’s Jackrabbit squad.
Adding to their accolades, South Dakota State holds the spot at the top of the College Inside Mid-Major Top 25 for the second consecutive week and is pulling votes within the AP and Coaches polls. With consistent shooting, SDSU boasts more than 37 percent accuracy from the three-point line, which ranks them 25th nationally. The Jackrabbits also feature three players shooting above 50 percent, with Brooklyn Meyer leading the way with 55.7 percent field goal shooting.
Shifting focus to Northern Iowa, the Panthers have made headlines themselves with impressive victories. Their list of accomplishments includes triumphing over then-No. 8 Iowa State earlier this season with an 87-75 home win. This performance highlights their capacity to compete against ranked teams and serves as motivation for their clash against SDSU.
The backdrop of Saturday's game is charged with anticipation, particularly for the Jackrabbits as they look to leverage home-court advantage at the First Bank & Trust Arena. Haleigh Timmer and Meyer will be strategic linchpins for South Dakota State, as they hope to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities posed by the visiting Panthers.
Despite their recent shake-up following two successive losses, including the latest setback against Colorado on December 14, the Jackrabbits are ready to regain their footing. South Dakota State fell to Colorado with a final score of 81-70, where they struggled to keep pace with the Buffaloes who had notable contributions, including 23 points from Julian Hammond III. Cluff, SDSU's leading scorer, faced difficulties, managing only nine points but still led the team on the boards with nine rebounds.
Throughout the game against Colorado, the Jackrabbits showcased their strength, briefly taking the lead at 56-55 with Matthew Mors scoring with just over 10 minutes remaining. Unfortunately, Colorado responded decisively, extending their lead from there. Such instances of missed opportunities would serve as learning points going forward.
Now, as the team prepares for Northern Iowa, South Dakota State's strategy will likely center on rediscovering their rhythm and sharpening their shooting shoals. Fans are hopeful to see increased scoring and defensive efforts to combat similar slipping from recent games.
With the home crowd behind them, the Jackrabbits aim for victory, striving to backtrack on their recent missteps. Saturday’s game is not just a chance for redemption; it’s also pivotal for building confidence as they move forward through the season. Coach Johnston and his crew will undoubtedly rally their players, encouraging them to seize the moment and channel their seasoned capabilities.
Fans won't want to miss what promises to be a riveting matchup this Saturday as the South Dakota State Jackrabbits face off against the Northern Iowa Panthers, showcasing the intense competition and resilience of both teams.
