SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Interstat) — In a decisive rubber match for state bragging rights and Summit League momentum, the South Dakota State women’s basketball team used a dominant opening quarter and a standout performance from Brooklyn Meyer to defeat South Dakota 74-59 on Saturday afternoon at a sold-out Elmen Center.

A crowd of 8,476 watched the Jackrabbits seize control early and withstand several pushes from the Coyotes to secure the victory in the regular-season finale for both teams. The win improved South Dakota State’s record to 26-6 overall, while South Dakota fell to 23-9.

The most critical phase of the game was its outset. South Dakota State, playing with palpable energy in front of the home crowd, exploded for 24 first-quarter points while holding the Coyotes to 18. The Jackrabbits set the tone defensively, forcing four South Dakota turnovers in the period and converting them into easy opportunities. Forward Brooklyn Meyer was instrumental from the opening tip, winning the initial jump ball and quickly establishing her presence inside with six early points. The early cushion proved vital, as it allowed South Dakota State to manage the game’s tempo and respond confidently each time the Coyotes attempted to rally.

Meyer, a 6-foot-2 junior from Larchwood, Iowa, was the game’s premier force, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds in just 32 minutes. She was efficient and assertive, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line while anchoring the Jackrabbits’ interior defense. Her performance capped a remarkable regular season against the Coyotes, averaging over 28 points per game in the three meetings.

She received ample support from guard Madison Mathiowetz, who added 23 points and five rebounds. The backcourt duo of Mathiowetz and Emilee Fox, who dished out four assists, consistently broke down the South Dakota defense. Forward Hilary Behrens controlled the glass with 12 rebounds to go with eight points.

South Dakota, which had split the previous two meetings with its rival this season, was led by guard Angelina Robles with 18 points and three assists. Guard Molly Joyce contributed 17 points and four assists, and forward Elise Turrubiates recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds while playing the entire 40 minutes.

The Coyotes struggled to find consistent offensive flow against the disciplined Jackrabbits defense. After falling behind by 15 points early in the second quarter, South Dakota mounted a 9-0 run, capped by a Robles three-pointer, to cut the deficit to 27-24. The Jackrabbits, however, answered with a 7-0 spurt of their own to close the half leading 36-31, a sequence highlighted by a Maggie Hartwig jumper just before the buzzer.

South Dakota made another concerted push in the third quarter, closing to within 41-38 on a three-pointer from Tori Schlagel. Once again, South Dakota State had a response, this time from Mathiowetz, who hit a three-pointer and a pull-up jumper to stretch the lead back to eight points. The Jackrabbits took a 51-42 advantage into the final period.

Any lingering doubt was erased in the fourth quarter when South Dakota State opened with a 13-4 run over the first four minutes, extending its lead to 64-46. Meyer and Mathiowetz combined for nine points during the decisive stretch, effectively putting the game out of reach.

The victory solidified South Dakota State’s position heading into the Summit League tournament, avenging a loss in Vermillion just over a month ago. For South Dakota, the defeat snapped a two-game winning streak but provided a clear measurement of the level required to challenge the conference front-runner on a neutral floor.

Both teams now turn their attention to the postseason, with the Summit League tournament set to begin next week.