2 days Ago By John Gaskins
In a reflection of their seasons, No. 25 South Dakota State's women, the top seed in the Summit League Tournament, won their 55th consecutive game against conference teams (48 regular season, 7 tourney) by clamping down Omaha by 20 points (87-67), while South Dakota lost by 20 to No. 2 seed Oral Roberts (70-50).
John Gaskins, Matt Zimmer, and Marcus Traxler break down the back-to-back games, starting with the keys to the Jackrabbits' expected romp, followed by coach Aaron Johnston's postgame remarks. The trio then pivots to thoughts on the final game and spectacular career of USD's Grace Larkins — the Summit League Player of the Year — who bowed out with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists as her last team finished 11-20 under first-year head coach Carrie Eighmey.What do we make of Larkins staying in Vermillion despite (likely) chances to play at a higher level elsewhere, and what are her final words about that decision? Hear from Larkins and Eighmey in their postgame press conference about that, plus Eighmey's ruminations about what it will take to bring the Coyotes back to the elite mid-major status they held just three years ago under Dawn Plitzuweit.
Finally, a look ahead to both the USD and SDSU men's quarterfinal games on tap for Friday night. Jacks roll, while Yotes season (and Amazing Grace Larkins's career) ends in Summit Tourney Women's Quarterfinals]]>.
