The South Dakota State women’s basketball team beat Oral Roberts 89-71 Saturday despite a slow start to the game for the Jacks.
The win was the team’s 11th in a row, keeping SDSU unbeaten in conference play and moving to 21-3 on the season. The Golden Eagles, with a conference record of 8-3 and an overall record of 18-6, stay in their third-seed spot.
The game started off hot for ORU as Taleyah Jones hit a three nine seconds into the game. Makyra Tramble then pushed the lead to six more points after hitting two three-pointers back-to-back.
“We were loose with the ball at times; they hit five 3’s, and digging yourself out of a hole is a challenge, but our team stayed composed, made some shots to get us going.” Head Coach Aaron Johnston said.
The Jacks couldn’t seem to find their groove in the first quarter as they shot 29% from the field and 22% from behind the arc, trailing 24-14 after one.
In the second quarter, Haleigh Timmer hit back-to-back threes to bring the game within a point.
Mesa Byom had a big-time block on the defensive end, which transitioned into a Brooklyn Meyer lay-up, putting the Jacks in the lead for the first time in the game. There were only two more lead changes for the rest of the game.
Paige Meyer knocked down two free throws right before halftime to push the lead to 38-35.
In the third quarter, Haleigh Timmer got in on the action, firing back-to-back three-pointers, advancing the Jackrabbit lead to 11 points.
SDSU held their lead, winning 62-54 going into the fourth quarter.
The Jacks finished off strong shooting 8-for-14 from the field and 3-for-4 from range to close it out.
“I think there’s a certain level of composure with our team… to understand we can adjust or we can regroup; we might have to change some things, but we can get this done,” Coach AJ said.
Paige Meyer led the Jacks with 23 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
“I think she’s playing at a really high level; the ability and talent is there, and I think she’s also willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.” Johnston said about Paige’s performance “She’s in a really good place where she values success as a team and values her teammates.”
Brooklyn Meyer went 8-for-9 from the floor, totaling 20 points, eight rebounds and one steal. Timmer contributed 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal, while Byom led the Jackrabbits in rebounds as she totaled 10 along with 9 points, 4 assists and 3 blocks.
Next Up
The Jacks head on the road again, taking on the North Dakota State Bison. The game is set for Wednesday in Fargo at the SHAC with a tipoff time of 7 p.m.
