Preview: Summit League Women
South Dakota State’s women are looking to pad their lead in the Summit League standings as they host IUPUI today at Frost Arena in Brookings. The Jacks are the lone unbeaten team in the conference after six games, and hold a two game lead on the Jaguars and South Dakota going into today’s game.
SDSU won their 8th straight overall with a 86-51 win over Western Illinois Thursday night. The Jackrabbits were in control from start to finish, shooting 51% from the floor, while holding the Leathernecks to just 29% shooting. State had four players in double figures, led by guard Ashley Eide’s 16 points. SDSU controlled the boards against WIU, outrebounding the Leathernecks 35-20, and outscoring them 44-22 in the paint.
IUPUI (3-2) fell to two games back of the Jacks after a 71-68 loss at North Dakota State Thursday. Kerah Nelson hit for a career high 26 points as the Jags lead at the break by five. But IUPUI went cold in the second half, going scoreless the final 11:10 of the game.
Today’s matchup in Brookings will feature two of the top three scoring offenses in the Summit League. SDSU averages 74 points a game, IUPUI 64. The difference maker for the Jacks has been defense this season. State is allowing opponents just 54 points a game on 37% shooting.
The University of South Dakota (3-2) tries to stay within reach of the top as they host Oakland today. The Coyotes used a strong second half Thursday to beat Ft. Wayne 82-51 at the DakotaDome. USD outscored the Mastodons 45-17 in the second half, thanks to 69% shooting and eight second half points from Poly Harrington. The Coyote defense limited Ft. Wayne to just 17% shooting in the second half. South Dakota continues to dominate on the boards this season, averaging 42 in 18 games. Thursday, the Coyotes held a 43-22 rebounding edge against Ft. Wayne, outscoring the Dons 40-12 in the paint. USD had five players in the game grab six boards a piece.
Oakland (2-4) continues to struggle without Summit League pre-season player of the year Bethany Watterworth, who is out for the year with a back injury. She was the Golden Grizzlies leading scorer last season with 18 points per game.
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