South Dakota State Jackrabbits (Overall: 18-16, Conf: 8-8)
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Team Strengths:
This will be the Jackrabbits’ second-straight appearance in the tourney and fourth time in eight years as a major school in the NCAA. Last season, they were manhandled by Maryland in the opening half, and it ultimately caused them to fall short despite giving a good run in the crucial parts of the game.
The invite to the dance was once again due to a big lift from Mike Daum, winner of this season’s Summit Player of the Year plum. He’s the Jacks’ entire offense, as he puts up 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 threes per contest on 51.6 percent shooting. As well-skilled stretch four, he should be a threat to defenders from everywhere.
Daum’s scoring ability and the team’s efficiency from the foul line – 77.6 percent, ninth in the nation – are the two things that South Dakota State are dangerous of.
Team Weaknesses:
Probably everything. It seems like they can’t do anything effectively besides feeding the ball to Mike Daum and hitting well from the charity stripe. The Jacks are ranked all the way down to the top 300s in allowed points, field goals, threes, and assists. To top it all off nicely, they are also pretty careless with the ball.
Frankly, this team’s weaknesses can make one wonder how they managed to finish with a winning record.
Team Stats:
| CATEGORY | STAT | NCAA RANK |
| Points | 77.6 | 76th |
| Rebounds | 35.0 | 119th |
| Assists | 13.2 | 133rd |
| Field goal percentage | 45.9 | 94th |
| Three-point percentage | 36.3 | 119th |
| Free throw percentage | 77.6 | 9th |
| Turnovers | 12.9 | 250th |
Starting Lineup:
| POSTION | PLAYER | PPG |
| F | Mike Daum | 25.3 |
| F | Reed Tellinghuisen | 11.9 |
| G | Chris Howell | 7.7 |
| G | AJ Hess | 9.8 |
| G | Michael Orris | 8.3 |
Writer’s Prediction:
The Jacks lose in the opening round.
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