
South Dakota State

Denver
Highlights
Preview
Preview: South Dakota State at Denver DENVER (Interstat) — The Summit League-leading South Dakota State Jackrabbits look to continue their dominant conference run when they visit the Denver Pioneers in a women’s basketball matchup Saturday at Magness Arena. South Dakota State (21-6, 11-1 Summit) enters on a seven-game winning streak, including a dramatic 95-93 road victory at Oral Roberts on Thursday. The Jackrabbits have been overpowering in league play, winning 10 of their 11 conference games by double digits. Their lone league loss was a 73-54 setback at South Dakota on Jan. 31. The Jackrabbits are led by star forward Brooklyn Meyer, who is playing at an elite level. She poured in a career-high 44 points in Thursday’s win over Oral Roberts, adding four assists and three blocks. Over her last seven games, Meyer is averaging 24.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting efficiently from the field. Denver (10-17, 3-9) snapped a six-game skid with a 79-63 road win at Missouri-Kansas City on Wednesday. The Pioneers have struggled for consistency but are led by the backcourt play of Coryn Watts, who scored 25 points with seven assists in the win over KC. Watts averages a team-leading 18.2 points in conference play. The previous meeting this season was not competitive, with South Dakota State routing Denver 90-44 in Brookings on Jan. 15. The Jackrabbits have won 15 straight in the series. For Denver to challenge, they must find a way to contain Meyer inside and generate offense beyond Watts. South Dakota State’s balance, with Madison Mathiowetz (23 points Thursday) and others providing support, has been overwhelming for most Summit foes. The Jackrabbits are allowing just 55.8 points per game in league play. Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Denver. South Dakota State’s next game is at North Dakota State on Feb. 25, while Denver travels to Omaha on Feb. 28.