South Dakota State University's men's basketball team came up short in its first round NCAA Tournament game yesterday. The Ohio State University Buckeyes withstood a valiant effort from the Jackrabbits to win 81-73 in Boise, Idaho.
The Jackrabbits were down by ten late in the second half before rallying to tie the Buckeyes at 70 with only two minutes left in the game. However, Ohio State ended the contest on an 11-3 run to get the win.
Mike Daum paced SDSU with 27 points. David Jenkins, Jr. and Brandon Key added 16 points each in the losing effort.
South Dakota State head basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger says outgoing seniors Reed Tellinghuisen, Lane Severyn, and Ian Theisen have made a major impact on the program.
"First of all, I'm thankful to those three because, from the first day I came in, they bought in to everything we wanted to do. They've been unbelievable teammates, and workers. Great students, great citizens - so I've got a tremendous amount of respect for all three of those guys; and, they're all going to be missed. They did something that many of us aren't fortunate enough to do. They came into a place that had experienced success and they took it to another level," Otzelberger says.
The Jackrabbits end the year with a record of 28-7. It's the most victories in program history.
Ohio State advances to take on Gonzaga University on Saturday in Boise.
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