S Dakota St defeats Denver 87-79
S Dakota St Edges Denver in Thrilling Conference Showdown
In a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams make significant strides in the second half, South Dakota State University (SDSU) emerged victorious over visiting Denver at First Bank & Trust Arena on Thursday night.
The home crowd witnessed an electrifying comeback as SDSU erased a 2-point deficit at halftime to take control of the game. The Coyotes' 87-79 win marked their first victory against a ranked opponent this season, sending shockwaves throughout the conference.
Carson Johnson led Denver's effort with 27 points, showcasing his versatility as he connected on five of nine three-point attempts. Jeremiah Burke chipped in with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Carson Johnson added three assists to help spearhead the Pioneers' attack.
Meanwhile, Damon Wilkinson was instrumental for SDSU, scoring a team-high 19 points on an impressive 72.7% shooting clip from the field. The senior forward also collected nine rebounds and one assist, demonstrating his well-rounded prowess in the paint.
The Coyotes' success can be attributed to their ability to contain Denver's outside shooting threat. Denver's bench shot an abysmal 25%, limiting the Pioneers' scoring opportunities beyond the arc. In contrast, SDSU's bench played a crucial role in the game, contributing 15 points on 64% shooting.
The final margin of eight points reflected the ebb and flow of the contest, with both teams trading baskets and turnovers throughout the second half. Denver's largest lead came at the 9:45 mark, but SDSU responded by outscoring the Pioneers by nine points over the next six minutes to assume control.
SDSU's balanced performance was highlighted by their ability to limit Denver's fast break opportunities. The Coyotes' defense forced just five fast break points against a team that entered the contest averaging 15 per game.
The win marked SDSU's first conference victory, and their impressive showing will undoubtedly keep them in contention for a top seed in the tournament. For Denver, the loss serves as a harsh reminder of their vulnerabilities on the road, where they have struggled to find consistency this season.
In a thrilling contest that showcased both teams' strengths and weaknesses, SDSU's resilience proved to be the deciding factor. The Coyotes' victory will undoubtedly send ripples throughout the conference, setting up an intriguing rematch when the two teams meet again in the near future.