Jackrabbits Bounce Cowgirls, Set Up Storrs Showdown with UConn
The South Dakota State University Jackrabbits are dancing their way into the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament for the second time in just three years, a testament to their consistent program strength and ability to perform under pressure. The tenth-seeded Jackrabbits orchestrated a compelling upset victory over the seventh-seeded Oklahoma State Cowgirls, securing a 74-68 win in the opening round of March Madness. The game, played at the iconic Gampel Pavilion, provided a thrilling display of resilience and strategic execution from the South Dakota State squad. Their reward? A highly anticipated matchup against the second-seeded powerhouse UConn Huskies on Monday in the Storrs Regional.
South Dakota State’s victory was a hard-fought battle that showcased their ability to overcome adversity. Initially facing a seven-point deficit in the first half, trailing 31-24, the Jackrabbits demonstrated composure and tactical adjustments that shifted the momentum in their favor. A key to their resurgence was a dominant third quarter performance, where they exploded for 28 points. This offensive surge not only erased the deficit but propelled them to a 52-50 lead heading into the final ten minutes. From that point onward, the Jackrabbits displayed remarkable poise, refusing to relinquish their advantage and ultimately securing the victory.
The Jackrabbits’ offensive attack was spearheaded by junior forward Brooklyn Meyer, who delivered a stellar performance with 19 points. Her perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the free-throw line proved crucial in maintaining their lead down the stretch. Complementing Meyer’s scoring prowess was junior guard Madison Mathiowetz, who contributed a valuable 17 points. Together, Meyer and Mathiowetz formed a potent scoring duo that proved difficult for the Oklahoma State defense to contain. While Oklahoma State’s sophomore guard Stailee Heard led all scorers with a game-high 20 points and also pulled down 10 rebounds, her individual brilliance wasn’t enough to overcome the Jackrabbits’ balanced attack and determined defense.
For Oklahoma State, the loss marks a disappointing end to their season and a repeat of their 2023 tournament experience. The Cowgirls, who finished with a 25-7 record, have now been eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in two of the last three years. In 2023, they suffered a similar fate, falling to a ninth-seeded Miami (Florida) team. The Cowgirls’ inability to advance past the first round despite their regular season success highlights the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the importance of peaking at the right time.
The victory improves South Dakota State’s overall record in first-round NCAA Tournament games to 5-8. Their last tournament win came in 2023, a thrilling overtime victory against eighth-seeded Southern California. This recent success indicates a program on the rise, consistently competing at a high level and proving capable of pulling off upsets against higher-seeded opponents. The Jackrabbits’ tournament history demonstrates a growing program confidence and the ability to execute their game plan on the national stage.
The upcoming second-round matchup between South Dakota State and UConn presents a compelling narrative, featuring a clash of coaching titans. UConn’s legendary coach Geno Auriemma is currently in his remarkable 40th season at the helm of the Huskies. Across the court, South Dakota State’s Aaron Johnston is in his own right a coaching veteran, leading the Jackrabbits for 25 seasons. This game will be a showcase of coaching experience, tactical expertise, and the contrasting styles of two of the most respected figures in women’s college basketball. Auriemma’s storied career includes multiple national championships and a reputation for developing elite talent, while Johnston has built a consistent winner at South Dakota State, emphasizing team cohesion and fundamental basketball.
UConn enters the game as a heavy favorite, fresh off a dominant 103-34 victory over 15th-seeded Arkansas State in the first round. The Huskies’ offensive explosion marked the 12th time they have surpassed the 100-point mark in their NCAA Tournament opener, according to ESPN. This statistic underscores UConn’s offensive firepower and their ability to overwhelm opponents with their scoring depth. Led by a roster filled with talented players, UConn will present a significant challenge for South Dakota State’s defense.
The Jackrabbits will need to bring their A-game on both ends of the court to compete with UConn. Defensively, they must find a way to limit UConn’s scoring opportunities and disrupt their offensive flow. Offensively, they will need to continue to rely on the scoring of Meyer and Mathiowetz, while also getting contributions from their supporting cast. The Jackrabbits’ strategy must involve a combination of perimeter shooting, interior play, and minimizing turnovers to control the tempo of the game.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the game will be a battle of mental fortitude. South Dakota State will need to play with confidence and composure, refusing to be intimidated by UConn’s reputation or the pressure of the moment. They need to trust in their game plan, execute their strategies effectively, and embrace the opportunity to compete against one of the best teams in the nation.
For UConn, the game represents an opportunity to continue their dominant run and advance further in the tournament. However, they cannot afford to underestimate South Dakota State, who have proven their ability to pull off upsets. The Huskies will need to maintain their focus, execute their game plan, and avoid complacency to secure a victory.
The atmosphere in Storrs will be electric, with a passionate home crowd eager to cheer on the Huskies. South Dakota State will need to be prepared to play in a hostile environment and embrace the challenge. Their experience in big games and their resilience throughout the season will serve them well as they face the daunting task of taking on UConn on their home court.
Ultimately, the game between South Dakota State and UConn promises to be a compelling matchup between two well-coached teams with contrasting styles and aspirations. Whether the Jackrabbits can pull off another upset remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they will enter the game with determination, confidence, and a burning desire to continue their March Madness journey. The game is not just a contest of basketball skill, but also a test of will, strategy, and the unwavering spirit of competition. The Storrs Regional will undoubtedly be a focal point of the tournament, as the Jackrabbits look to make history against the formidable Huskies.
