Hot shooting Jackrabbits down Leathernecks, 93-47

BROOKINGS, S.D.- South Dakota State connected on 60 percent of their shots from behind the arc (15-for-25) to defeat the Fighting Leathernecks , 93-47, Monday evening at Frost Arena.

“It was a tough game,” said Western Illinois head coach Leslie Crane. “South Dakota State is a good team and they are physical and we didn't handle that very well. I do think out team did a great job in the second half and did a better job of attacking the basket and doing some of our things better.”

The Leathernecks (10-19, 7-11 Summit League) tied the game at five at the 18:17 mark, but couldn't overcome a hot shooting Jackrabbit (19-10, 14- Summit League) squad that went on 25-4 run to take a 30-9 lead at the 10:51 mark. Western's defense held South Dakota State to only five points over the next 7:36, but the Jackrabbits closed out the first half on a 9-3 run to take a 42-17 lead. South Dakota State shot 50 percent from the floor (13-for-26) and connected on 57.1 percent of their three-point baskets (8-for-12) in the first half.

It was much the same in the second half as the Jackrabbits started the second stanza on a 22-12 run to take a 64-31 lead at the 11:24 mark. Back-to-back baskets back Jackie Barton and Michele Salvatori brought the game within 29 with 10:48 remaining, but South Dakota State went on a 16-7 to take a 40-point advantage with just over four minutes of action remaining in the game. The Jackrabbits closed out the game on an 11-5 run to win their 14th conference game of the season and their home finale.

Salvatori led nine Leatherneck players with nine points while Jordon O'Brien added eight and Erica Lewis chipped in seven points. Western shot 35.2 percent from the floor (19-for-54) and was 31.3 percent from behind the arc (5-for-16).

The Jackrabbits shot 58.5 percent from the floor (31-for-53) in the contest, led by Macie Michelson who scored a game-high 20 points. A total of six South Dakota State players scored in double figures.

The Jackrabbits won the battle on the glass, grabbing 15 more rebounds than the Leathernecks (38-23). Barton led the team with five rebounds while Ashley Lord added four.

“My team is learning so much,” said Crane. “It is an adventure with our younger players and we knew this was going to be a tough road swing, but it prepared us for the tournament. Right now we are excited about going to the tournament.”

The Leathernecks will play in the opening round of The Summit League tournament on March 6 as the No. 7 seed and will face No. 2 seed Oakland at 2:30 p.m.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#24 Jordon O'Brien: G; 5' 9"; Senior

#12 Jackie Barton: G/F; 5' 11"; Junior

#5 Erica Lewis: G/F; 5' 8"; Junior

#25 Michele Salvatori: G/F; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#24 Jordon O'Brien
: 5' 9"; Senior
: G

#12 Jackie Barton
: 5' 11"; Junior
: G/F

#5 Erica Lewis
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G/F

#25 Michele Salvatori
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: G/F