In a significant development for collegiate basketball, the University of South Dakota men”s basketball team is entering the Summit League Tournament with notable momentum. The Coyotes secured the No. 4 seed after concluding their conference play with an 8-8 record, edging out both Omaha and Denver based on tiebreakers. This positioning sets the stage for a crucial matchup against fifth-seeded Omaha on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Premier Center in Sioux Falls.
Head coach Eric Peterson emphasized the importance of momentum over mere seeding. “You have to go into the tournament just playing the best basketball that you can play and get some momentum,” Peterson stated. His team has been on an upswing, highlighted by a season sweep against Omaha, which included a hard-fought four-point victory on the road and a commanding 17-point win at home.
The Coyotes” late-season surge culminated in a victory over in-state rival South Dakota State, marking their first season sweep of this opponent since 1997. This performance not only solidified their conference ranking but also instilled a sense of belief within the team, which understands the critical role of confidence in a tournament setting.
However, the Coyotes are not without their challenges. Last year, Omaha decisively eliminated South Dakota from the conference tournament, a fact that remains fresh in Peterson”s mind. “It”s going to be a much tougher game in the Summit League tournament,” Peterson remarked, acknowledging the talent on Omaha”s roster and the lessons learned from previous encounters.
Leading the Coyotes is star player Cameron Fens, who averages 14.6 points per game, placing him among the top scorers in the conference. Additionally, he contributes significantly on the boards with 8.6 rebounds per game, a statistic that leads the Summit League, and boasts a remarkable total of 45 blocks this season. Following closely is Jordan Crawford, who adds 14.5 points per game, while Uzziah Buntyn contributes 12.1 points along with 3.5 assists.
For South Dakota to navigate the tournament successfully, the performance of this trio will be pivotal. Keeping Fens out of early foul trouble is essential as his presence in the paint is crucial to both offense and defense. The Coyotes” path to potential tournament success may require overcoming the top-seeded North Dakota State Bison, who await the winner of another matchup.
Peterson expressed optimism regarding the tournament”s unpredictable nature, stating, “I do think any team could win the tournament and it”s about getting hot at the right time.” As the Coyotes aim for a championship run, they are focused on the immediate task at hand, eager to capitalize on their momentum and realize their dreams of NCAA tournament play.
