Jackrabbits Set for Big Sky-Summit League Challenge
The South Dakota State women’s basketball team hits the road this week for a pair of matchups in the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge, first taking on Eastern Washington Thursday before a Sunday showdown with Montana.
The Jackrabbits enter the week with a 5-2 record after securing a hard-fought 63-55 victory against Ball State on Sunday. SDSU showcased its offensive prowess, knocking down a season-high 11 three-pointers at a 50% clip. This performance believes its prowess from beyond the arc this season with the Jacks ranking 33rd in the nation, hitting at a better .370 from three-point range.
Last season, South Dakota State swept the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge, defeating Northern Arizona and Montana State to boast a perfect 2-0 record.
While holding a 5-2 record, five of the Jackrabbits seven games this season have been nail-biting matchups decided by eight points or less. SDSU’s resilience reflects with a 4-1 record in these tight contests. This resilience is reflected in their national ranking, as SDSU is the top team receiving votes in the latest College Inside Mid-Major Top 25
The Jackrabbits have proven their prowess on a national scale, already claiming two victories over ranked opponents this season.
SDSU’s 5-2 record has come despite facing two of the nation’s elite programs.
The Jackrabbits boast a balanced attack, with junior Brooklyn Meyer leading the team in scoring (16.3 PPG) and rebounding (6.6 RPG) as well as blocks (1.0 BPG). With a field goal percentage of 54%, Meyer is one of four SDSU players shooting above 50% from the field.
Paige Meyer controls the tempo with 10.3 points per game while averaging 5.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. Senior Haleigh Timmer refuses to be overlooked as the experienced guard averages 12.7 points per game and hits the court shooting 51% from the field on 15.7 points last season. …
Furthermore, the Jackrabbits may hold the advantage with a deeper bench. Freshman Katie Vasecka has emerged as a scoring threat off the bench.
Eastern Washington comes into Thursday’s game with an overall record of 2-5, but the Eagles boast a strong clutch player in Peyton Howard. Howard leads the team in scoring (16.1 PPG),
Montana enters the weekend with a current record of 6-0 hosting South Dakota State on Sunday approching their matchup following Eastern Washing
What are the key focuses for the South Dakota State women’s basketball team heading into the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge?
## Jackrabbits Gearing Up for Big Sky Challenge
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Head Coach [Guest Name] of the South Dakota State women’s basketball team. Coach, the Jackrabbits are heading out on the road for the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge this week. What are your thoughts going into these tough matchups?
**Coach [Guest Name]:** We’re excited for the challenge. Eastern Washington and Montana are both strong teams, so these games will be great tests for us. We’ve been working hard and I think we’re ready to compete.
**Host:** The Jackrabbits are coming off a big win against Ball State, hitting 11 three-pointers in the process. It seems like this team is really hitting its stride offensively.
**Coach [Guest Name]:** Absolutely. This team has a lot of offensive talent, and we’re starting to see it click. Shooting the three well is key for us, and we were really hot from beyond the arc on Sunday. We rank 33rd in the nation in three-point percentage this season, which is a testament to the hard work these players put in.
**Host:** Looking ahead to the Big Sky Challenge, what are some key things you’ll be focusing on with your team?
**Coach [Guest Name]:** We need to continue to play strong defense and rebound well. Against teams like Eastern Washington and Montana, we can’t afford to give up second-chance points. Offensively, we need to continue to move the ball and find open shots. We have a lot of weapons on this team, and I believe our offense can score against anyone.
**Host:** Well, Coach [Guest Name], thanks so much for joining us. We’re looking forward to seeing the Jackrabbits take on the Big Sky Challenge this week. Best of luck!
**Coach [Guest Name]:** Thanks for having me!