Summit League Women’s Tournament: South Dakota State Beats Oakland 67-53

South Dakota State struggled a bit early, but found their offensive game inside, as the Jackrabbits beat Oakland 67-53, in the opening round of the Summit League Tournament in Sioux Falls.

SDSU began the game turning the ball over six times in the first five minutes, as the Golden Grizzlies and Olivia Nash took advantage.  Nash scored OU's first seven points to stake the number eight seed to an early 7-2 lead.

From there, South Dakota State found their touch inside, with the Summit League's Sixth Woman of the Year, Katie Lingle taking over off the bench, sparking a 16-2 run.  Lingle hit for 10 first half points, and helped open the lane for drives from Ashley Eide, who paced the Jacks with 12 in the first half.

The Jackrabbit defense held Oakland to just 32 percent shooting in the first half, and several times forced the Grizzlies to use virtually all of the shot clock before getting off a low percentage shot.

South Dakota State led 35-22 at the half and continued to dominate inside in the second half.

Lingle and Eide each finished with 18 points.  Nash paced Oakland with 17.

The win is the 13th straight for SDSU in Summit League Tournament play.  The Jacks advance to Monday's 12:00 semifinal against either Fort Wayne or Western Illinois.