The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
South Dakota State Pulls Away From Northern Colorado for 71-46 Victory
By Piper Rampage
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota State improved to 4-0 with a 71-46 victory over Northern Colorado at neutral-site Summit Arena at The Monument, using a pair of scoring runs to turn an early deficit into a 25-point win.
The Jackrabbits took a 28-17 lead into halftime and outscored the Bears 43-29 after the break. Northern Colorado fell to 2-2 and shot 26.5% from the field.
Northern Colorado led early, but South Dakota State answered with a 12-0 run to take a 14-8 advantage in the first half. The Jackrabbits maintained their lead through halftime before delivering another decisive stretch in the second half.
A 12-2 run in under four minutes extended South Dakota State’s advantage to 49-25 with 11:37 remaining. Northern Colorado never got within 20 points again, and the Jackrabbits led by as many as 27.
Jon Mekonnen led South Dakota State with 14 points and 11 rebounds, recording the first double-double of his career. EJ Ryans added 13 points, while Joe Sayler finished with 10 points and a season-high six assists. Alec Squires contributed eight points and eight rebounds.
Kalen Garry scored five points and surpassed 1,000 career points, becoming the 54th player in South Dakota State program history to reach the milestone.
Andrew Crawford led Northern Colorado with 16 points and three steals. Hunter Caldwell added 13 points, while Langston Reynolds, the Big Sky Preseason MVP, was held to four points on 1-of-5 shooting.
South Dakota State outrebounded Northern Colorado 53-33, tying the most rebounds the Jackrabbits have recorded against a Division I opponent in program history. The 46 points allowed were South Dakota State’s fewest against a Division I opponent since Jan. 31, 2015.
The victory gave South Dakota State its best start since the 2015-16 season, moving the Jackrabbits to 4-0. Northern Colorado left the neutral-site matchup with a 2-2 record.
Piper Rampage
Men’s College Basketball, The Library Media
