RAPID CITY, S.D. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive efficiency and interior dominance, the South Dakota State women’s basketball team remained undefeated Saturday, overpowering the Montana Lady Griz 95-71 in a non-conference matchup at Don Barnett Arena.

The Jackrabbits improved to 4-0 on the young season, while Montana fell to 1-3.

From the opening tip, South Dakota State established control, racing out to a 25-17 lead after the first quarter and never looking back. The Jackrabbits extended their advantage to 46-33 by halftime and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, outscoring the Lady Griz in every quarter.

The foundation of the victory was laid in the paint, where South Dakota State held a staggering 48-16 advantage. The Jackrabbits’ relentless work on the glass was a key factor, as they corralled 16 offensive rebounds compared to just four for Montana, leading to numerous second-chance opportunities.

South Dakota State’s offensive execution was clinical. The team shot 56 percent from the field, converting 37 of 66 attempts. Their offensive rating of 125.7 points per 100 possessions underscored a highly efficient performance. While Montana attempted more three-pointers, making 16 from beyond the arc, they could not counter South Dakota State’s inside game and overall shooting accuracy.

Brooklyn Meyer, a 6-foot-2 forward from Larchwood, Iowa, was the engine for the Jackrabbits. In just 26 minutes of action, she recorded a double-double with a game-high 25 points and 11 rebounds, adding five assists and a block. Her presence inside was overwhelming for the Montana defense.

She was complemented by a balanced scoring attack. Guard Emilee Fox of Mount Vernon, South Dakota, added 16 points and five assists. Madison Mathiowetz came off the bench to provide 13 points and six rebounds, while Mahli Abdouch and Katie Vasecka each chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Vasecka also contributed seven rebounds, four assists and a block.

Montana was led by the sharp shooting of Jocelyn Land, who scored 24 points, largely on 8-for-16 shooting from three-point range. Avery Waddington added 15 points and six rebounds, and Mack Konig also scored 15 points while dishing out five assists.

Despite forcing 17 South Dakota State turnovers and converting them into 20 points, the Lady Griz struggled with their own ball security, committing 16 turnovers. They also were hampered at the free-throw line, attempting only five shots from the charity stripe and making three, while the Jackrabbits went 11 for 18.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 2,639, was a showcase of South Dakota State’s potent offense and depth. The Jackrabbits’ bench outscored their counterparts, and the team tallied 21 points off Montana’s turnovers.

South Dakota State will look to continue its perfect start when it faces Gonzaga on Thursday in Sioux Falls. Montana returns home to host BYU on Wednesday.