The South Dakota State Jackrabbits triumphed over the South Dakota Coyotes with a decisive score of 74-59 in the semifinals of the Summit League women’s basketball tournament on March 16, 2024. This victory sets the stage for an anticipated matchup against the North Dakota State Bison in the championship game.
The match showcased the physicality synonymous with both teams, but it was Brooklyn Meyer of the Jackrabbits who stood out once again. Meyer scored 24 points, marking her third impressive performance against the Coyotes this season. Despite this being her lowest scoring game against USD, she has averaged an impressive 28 points per game in their previous matchups.
The Coyotes struggled to contain Meyer, committing 23 fouls throughout the game, with a significant number aimed at limiting her influence. Meyer capitalized on this, converting 10 of 14 free throws, contributing to SDSU’s overall success at the line, where they shot 20 for 28.
“It’s the conference tournament, so no one’s going to go away easy,” Meyer explained after the game. “Just making sure that our defense, especially, was locked in and that we just kept doing all the little things to get us to that point.”
Meyer’s ability to navigate through defenders with a mix of strength and skill was evident. She utilized a variety of spins and fakes to gain advantageous positions, creating opportunities for herself and her teammates. The Coyotes struggled with foul trouble, with standout player Patience Williams limited to just 19 minutes of play, scoring only 3 points. Josie Hill, another key player for USD, managed 2 points in her 19 minutes on the court before accumulating four fouls.
Madison Mathiowetz, a senior guard for SDSU, praised Meyer’s performance, saying, “She went in there and she did what she does best. Finding her inside and finding people to pass was a huge part of it. Those offensive rebounds were momentum changers.”
The foul disparity proved to be a significant issue for the Coyotes. Head coach Carrie Eighmey expressed her frustration regarding the officiating, noting the challenge of defending a physical team like SDSU without committing fouls. “I think the challenge with defending them is figuring out how you match that physicality,” Eighmey stated.
SDSU clearly dominated the interior game, outscoring USD 30-20 in points in the paint and achieving a 13-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. This translated to a significant 17-3 edge in second-chance points, proving pivotal in their victory.
SDSU head coach Aaron Johnston recognized Meyer’s remarkable ability to perform under pressure. “I’ve never seen a player handle that much physicality before, ever,” he said. “To see her do that with the amount of poise she plays with is remarkable.”
Looking ahead to the championship game, Meyer will face North Dakota State’s Avery Koenen, a fellow forward with similar skills. Both players, standing around 6-foot-3, are likely to play pivotal roles in their teams’ strategies. The outcome will likely hinge not only on their scoring but also on how well each player manages foul situations.
As the Jackrabbits prepare to face the Bison, the rivalry promises to deliver high stakes and intense competition. Both teams have established strong credentials this season, making their upcoming meeting a highly anticipated event in the Summit League tournament.
The matchup between SDSU and NDSU is set to be not just a battle for the championship title but also for a potential berth in the NCAA tournament, adding another layer of excitement to this already thrilling season.
