South Dakota’s men’s basketball team secured a 75-70 victory over South Dakota State in Vermillion, completing a regular season sweep of their rivals for the first time since the 1996-97 season. The win came during Senior Day and was highlighted by five Coyotes reaching double figures in scoring.
South Dakota State started strong, building a 17-point lead in the first half. However, South Dakota responded with a late surge before halftime, narrowing the deficit to four points at 42-38. Ethan Kizer led USD early with 10 points on perfect shooting from beyond the arc, including a key four-point play that helped shift momentum.
In the second half, Fens overcame early foul trouble to score seven quick points as South Dakota took its first lead at 45-42. Jordan Crawford then hit a three-pointer out of a media timeout to give USD an advantage they would not relinquish. Crawford scored nine of USD’s next eleven points, helping build their largest lead at 62-55 with eight minutes left.
Fens contributed defensively with two crucial blocks in the final minute. The Coyotes closed out the game by converting five of six free throws in the last ninety seconds and finished 14-for-17 from the line in the second half.
The starting lineup accounted for nearly all of South Dakota’s offense, combining for 70 out of 75 total points. Crawford and Fens each scored 17 points—27 coming after halftime—while Buntyn added 15 and Vince Buzelis chipped in with eleven points along with four rebounds and three steals.
“South Dakota finishes the regular season with a 16-15 mark, 8-8 conference record and a 12-5 record at home,” according to team officials. “The Coyotes swept the regular season series over the Jackrabbits for the first time since the 1996-97 season.”
“The Coyote starting five scored 70 of 75 points with Crawford and Fens leading the way with 17 each,” officials stated. “All five starters reached double-digit scoring.”
Ethan Kizer has made multiple three-pointers in two consecutive games.
Looking ahead, South Dakota will enter next week’s Summit League Tournament as either a No.4 or No.6 seed depending on other results around the league.
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