Storrs, Ct–In a thrilling first-round matchup of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday, the No. 10 seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits upset the No. 7 seed Oklahoma State Cowgirls with a 74-68 victory at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.
The Jackrabbits’ triumph was fueled by a dominant second-half performance, overcoming a seven-point halftime deficit. Sophomore forward Brooklyn Meyer led with 19 points and eight rebounds, while guard Paige Meyer contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Guard Madison Mathiowetz added 17 points, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
Oklahoma State started strong, capitalizing on South Dakota State’s early turnovers to build a 31-24 lead by halftime. Guard Stailee Heard was instrumental for the Cowgirls, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Center Tenin Magassa made a significant defensive impact with a career-high eight blocks, effectively disrupting the Jackrabbits’ interior offense in the first half.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter. South Dakota State outscored Oklahoma State 28-19 in this period, shooting an impressive 60% from the field. This offensive surge erased the Cowgirls’ lead and set the stage for a competitive final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Jackrabbits maintained their intensity, opening with a 6-0 run and never relinquishing the lead. Their defensive tenacity limited the Cowgirls’ scoring opportunities, and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch secured the victory.
South Dakota State’s rebounding prowess was a critical factor, as they outrebounded Oklahoma State 47-29, including a standout 12-rebound performance by forward Mesa Byom. This dominance on the boards provided the Jackrabbits with additional possessions and scoring opportunities.
Both teams entered the tournament with strong defensive records, each allowing around 60 points per game. Oklahoma State, despite a valiant effort, struggled to maintain momentum in the final minutes, allowing South Dakota State to secure the win.
With this victory, South Dakota State advances to the second round of the tournament, where they will face the No. 2 seed Connecticut Huskies. The Jackrabbits will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for this formidable challenge.
