The first basketball event for South Dakota State inside the new First Bank & Trust Arena ended in a Jackrabbit victory.

In an exhibition match against the St. Cloud State Huskies, the Jackrabbits played a mostly dominant game. After a slow start on scoring, SDSU quickly jumped out to a large double-digit lead that they would keep for the entire game, winning 77-44.

Two of the five freshmen, Katie Vasecka and Jaidyn Dunn, would score their first points as Jackrabbits. Vasecka finished the night with 11 points, two rebounds and an assist. Dunn would also record her first rebound and assist.

Brooklyn Meyer led the way for SDSU, scoring 23 points and racking up seven rebounds and an assist. Mesa Byom recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, tying her career high. Madison Mathiowetz led in the assists category with five, scoring seven points and three rebounds.

Kylan Gerads topped the Huskies in scoring with ten points and five rebounds. Ashley Sawicki and Reagan Briggs each put up eight points with Sawicki racking a team-high six rebounds. Briggs, Kristi Kottke, and Alyssa Stamer each led in assists with three a piece.

Up Next
SDSU officially kicks off the season in Houston with a matchup against Rice University. Tip-off is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.

The Jacks return to Brookings to play Creighton on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. The game will be streamed on the Summit League Network through Midco Sports Plus.