South Dakota State (SDSU) makes its Summit League Championship debut against North Dakota (UND) on Friday at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. This quarterfinal matchup follows a previous game between North Dakota State and South Dakota. SDSU, the reigning champion with seven titles, has a strong tournament history, boasting a 28-9 record. The teams split their regular-season games, with SDSU achieving an impressive 109-73 victory in one and UND winning 80-75 in the rematch. SDSU finished the regular season at 20-11, led by Oscar Cluff, while UND ended at 11-20. The game will be streamed on the Summit League Network.
Late on Friday night, South Dakota State will make its debut in the 2025 Summit League Championship, facing North Dakota at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. The third-seeded Jackrabbits will go head-to-head with the sixth-seeded Fighting Hawks approximately 25 minutes following the No. 4/No. 5 matchup between North Dakota State and South Dakota, which starts at 6 p.m.
This quarterfinal clash marks the first encounter between SDSU and UND in The Summit League Tournament. Historically, the Jackrabbits boast an impressive 28-9 record in Summit League conference tournaments. As reigning champions, SDSU has previously claimed the title seven times, with their victories in 2024, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, and 2012.
SDSU and North Dakota evenly split their regular season matchups. In their game on January 16 in Brookings, the Jackrabbits delivered one of their strongest offensive performances during their Division I tenure. The team shot a remarkable 71.4% in the first half, helped by a standout 25 points from Joe Sayler in just the opening 20 minutes, leading to a dominant 109-73 victory. This impressive point total ranks as the second highest against a Division I opponent in SDSU history, and the Jackrabbits also recorded their third most field goals made in a DI game (42) and fourth-best shooting percentage (65.6%).
The tides turned during their rematch in Grand Forks on February 1. North Dakota dominated the first half, shooting close to 70% and establishing a lead as high as 19 points. The Fighting Hawks successfully thwarted a late comeback attempt by the Jackrabbits, securing an 80-75 win, which ended an 18-game losing streak against SDSU dating back to 2011. Sayler again led the Jacks in scoring with 20 points, while Oscar Cluff contributed 10 points and 19 rebounds.
In the regular season, the Jacks finished with a 20-11 record overall, including an 11-5 mark in Summit League play. SDSU’s standout player was First Team All-Summit League selection and Newcomer of the Year Oscar Cluff. Additionally, teammate Kalen Garry received honorable mention recognition for the All-Summit League Team.
North Dakota wrapped up its season with an 11-20 record overall and 5-11 in Summit League competition. The Fighting Hawks enjoyed several individual accolades, with Treysen Eaglestaff being named a Second Team All-League selection. Mier Panoam earned honorable mention honors, while Eli King was recognized on the All-Defensive Team.
COVERAGE INFORMATION
The South Dakota State game against North Dakota will be available for streaming on The Summit League Network Powered by Midco Sports. Fans can view it on summitleaguenetwork.tv or via The Midco Sports Plus app with a subscription. The game will also be broadcast on Midco Sports. All of SDSU’s men’s basketball games can be heard on the Jackrabbit Sports Network, at GoJacks.com.watch or on the Varsity App. To stay updated on the Jackrabbits, follow their social media handles @GoJacksMBB or visit GoJacks.com.
-GoJacks.com-