S Dakota St defeats Omaha 84-69
S Dakota St Dominates Omaha Behind Damon Wilkinson's Triple-Double
In a highly anticipated conference matchup, the University of South Dakota (S Dakota St) men's basketball team proved why they're among the top contenders in the league by defeating visiting Omaha 84-69 at their home court, First Bank & Trust Arena.
The game was tied at halftime, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, the Mavericks took control in the second half, outscoring their opponents 48-33 and ultimately securing a 15-point victory.
Damon Wilkinson led the charge for S Dakota St, delivering a triple-double of 24 points, 19 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal. His impressive performance showcased his versatility as a player, as he was equally effective on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.
The Coyotes' balanced offense, which shot 48% from the field, relied heavily on Wilkinson's production. Kalen Garry chipped in with 13 points and 9 rebounds, while the team's bench provided a crucial boost off the bench.
In contrast, Omaha struggled to find its shooting range, particularly beyond the arc, where they made just 3 of 5 three-point attempts. Despite this, the Mavericks' Paul Djobet remained a threat in the paint, scoring 10 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
The turning point in the game came when S Dakota St took control of the boards, outrebounding Omaha 37-29. This allowed the Coyotes to limit their opponents' second-chance opportunities and capitalize on their own fast-break chances.
With the win, S Dakota St improves its standing in conference play, while Omaha falls back into a tough stretch of schedule. The result serves as a reminder that the Coyotes are a force to be reckoned with in the league, particularly when they can get contributions from multiple players like Wilkinson.
Game Stats and Advanced Metrics
| Category | S Dakota St | Omaha |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Field Goals | 31/65 (48.0%) | 23/64 (36.0%) |
| 2-Point FG | 26/43 (60.5%) | 14/33 (42.4%) |
| 3-Point FG | 5/22 (23.0%) | 9/31 (29.0%) |
| Free Throws | 17/21 (81.0%) | 14/19 (74.0%) |
| Rebounds | 52 (Off: 15, Def: 37) | 29 (Off: 7, Def: 22) |
The advanced statistics paint a picture of a dominant performance from S Dakota St, with an eFG% of 51.5% and True Shooting Percentage of 56.6%. The Coyotes' ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on fast breaks further underscored their advantage.
Context and Outlook
This matchup marked a significant test for both teams, as conference play becomes increasingly intense. S Dakota St's win sets them up well for future challenges, while Omaha looks to regroup and refocus its efforts in the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, we can expect these two programs to continue competing at high levels, making their matchups all the more compelling for fans of college basketball.