OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — In a season-opening upset fueled by a dominant performance from Brooklyn Meyer, the South Dakota State women’s basketball team defeated Creighton 78-62 on Monday night at a stunned CenturyLink Center.

The Jackrabbits, leveraging efficient offense and a stifling defensive effort, controlled the game from the outset, handing the Bluejays a loss in their first outing of the season.

Meyer, a 6-foot-2 forward from Larchwood, Iowa, was the engine for South Dakota State, pouring in 33 points while also contributing five assists and five blocks in 35 minutes of action. Her inside presence was overwhelming, setting the tone for a Jackrabbits offense that operated with precision.

South Dakota State shot 53.3 percent from the floor, connecting on 32 of 60 attempts. The team was also effective from beyond the arc, making 6 of 13 three-pointers, and nearly perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 8 of 9.

Complementing Meyer’s standout performance was Katie Vasecka, who added 18 points for the Jackrabbits. Madison Mathiowetz chipped in nine points in the victory.

Creighton, conversely, struggled to find its shooting rhythm all night. The Bluejays were held to 33.3 percent shooting, making just 23 of 69 attempts from the field. Their efforts from long range were particularly futile, as they connected on only 8 of 29 three-point attempts.

Ava Zediker led the Bluejays with 17 points, while Kennedy Townsend scored 14. Kiani Lockett facilitated the offense with a team-high six assists.

The statistical disparity told the story of the game. South Dakota State posted an offensive rating of 112.6 points per 100 possessions, a mark of elite efficiency. Creighton managed a rating of just 86.4. The Jackrabbits also protected the rim effectively, recording seven team blocks, and committed only eight turnovers.

The result defied pregame projections from Interstat, whose ELO system had given Creighton a 79.8 percent probability to win. The final score also fell far short of the simulator’s predicted offensive explosion.

With the win, South Dakota State begins its season 1-0. The Jackrabbits are scheduled to host Rice on Friday. Creighton, now 0-1, will look to rebound on the road at Drake on Sunday.