Coyotes Edge Jackrabbits in Close Contest
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · First Bank & Trust Arena
South Dakota Coyotes 68, South Dakota State Jackrabbits 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won South Dakota Coyotes vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits?
South Dakota Coyotes beat South Dakota State Jackrabbits 68-67 at First Bank & Trust Arena on February 7, 2026.
Who was favored in South Dakota Coyotes vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits?
South Dakota State Jackrabbits were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -700 (about 88% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the First Bank & Trust Arena, the South Dakota Coyotes narrowly defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits with a final score of 68-67. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, particularly as the Coyotes improved their record to 15-12, while the Jackrabbits fell to 11-15.
The Coyotes entered the game with a 5-5 record over their last ten games, and they were riding a one-game winning streak. Their average scoring during this stretch was 79.7 points, while they allowed 82.1 points per game. In contrast, the Jackrabbits had a record of 4-6 in their last ten outings, with an average of 78.1 points scored and 77.8 points allowed. South Dakota State’s recent form included a loss to the St. Thomas Tommies just two days prior, which may have impacted their confidence.
Home and away performances also played a role in this contest. The Jackrabbits had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Coyotes had a 3-2 record at home and a 2-3 record away in their recent encounters. The Jackrabbits had struggled on the road, with an away record of 0-5 in their last five games, highlighting their difficulties outside of their home venue.
In terms of previous meetings, the Jackrabbits had won both encounters against the Coyotes earlier in the season, with scores of 90-71 and 94-91. This history may have given the Jackrabbits a psychological edge going into the game, but the Coyotes were determined to break that streak.
Injury reports did not indicate any significant absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. This factor contributed to the competitive nature of the game, as both teams were able to execute their strategies effectively.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had South Dakota State favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 159.5. The odds reflected a strong expectation for the Jackrabbits to perform well at home, but the Coyotes’ performance defied those expectations.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted, with multiple lead changes in the second half. Notable scoring plays included Joe Sayler's 15-foot jumper that briefly put the Jackrabbits ahead, followed by a crucial 43-foot three-point jumper from Ethan Kizer that gave the Coyotes a slight edge. The Coyotes managed to maintain their composure in the closing moments, ultimately sealing the victory with Uzziah Buntyn's free throw.
The final moments of the game were characterized by intense back-and-forth scoring, with the teams trading baskets in a tight finish. The Coyotes' ability to execute under pressure proved decisive, allowing them to secure the win despite the Jackrabbits' home advantage.
This contest highlighted the resilience and determination of the Coyotes, while the Jackrabbits will need to regroup following this close loss. The outcome of this game may have implications for both teams as they continue their respective seasons.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SDST -11.5 | 159.5 o -105 / u -115 | South Dakota Coyotes +500 · South Dakota State Jackrabbits -700 |
Leaders
- PointsJoe Sayler21South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- AssistsJoe Sayler3South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- ReboundsDamon Wilkinson9South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- PointsJordan Crawford19South Dakota Coyotes
- AssistsUzziah Buntyn6South Dakota Coyotes
- ReboundsCameron Fens12South Dakota Coyotes
Recent form
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Last 10: 4-6Streak L178.1 scored · 77.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L62-77vs St. Thomas TommiesFeb 5
- W95-72vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 31
- L71-80at Omaha MavericksJan 29
- L69-74at St. Thomas TommiesJan 23
- W90-62vs Kansas City RoosJan 17
- L65-76at North Dakota State BisonJan 15
- W87-79vs Denver PioneersJan 9
- L87-90at North Dakota Fighting HawksJan 3
- W84-69vs Omaha MavericksJan 1
- L71-99at Arizona WildcatsDec 30
South Dakota Coyotes
Last 10: 5-5Streak W179.7 scored · 82.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- W82-75at Kansas City RoosFeb 5
- L84-89vs North Dakota State BisonJan 31
- W77-69vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 30
- L78-90vs St. Thomas TommiesJan 24
- W68-64at Omaha MavericksJan 22
- L80-96at North Dakota Fighting HawksJan 17
- W99-83vs Kansas City RoosJan 16
- W82-72vs Denver PioneersJan 10
- L86-99at St. Thomas TommiesJan 8
- L61-84at North Dakota State BisonDec 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 27-8 | - | 14-2 |
| St. Thomas | 24-10 | 2 | 12-4 |
| North Dakota | 18-17 | 4 | 10-6 |
| South Dakota | 16-16 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Omaha | 16-17 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Denver | 15-17 | 7 | 8-8 |
| South Dakota State | 14-18 | 7 | 7-9 |
| Oral Roberts | 10-23 | 10 | 4-12 |
| Kansas City | 4-27 | 13 | 1-15 |
Box score
| Stat | South Dakota Coyotes | South Dakota State Jackrabbits |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-60 | 26-58 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 10-29 | 6-14 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 43 |
| Free throws | 8-13 | 9-11 |
| Free throw % | 62 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 31 |
| Assists | 13 | 9 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 30 |
| Fouls | 11 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 67 | 22 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-27Joe Sayler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half28-28Joe Sayler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half30-28Cameron Fens makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half32-28Cameron Fens makes 6-foot jumper
- 1st Half32-29Joe Sayler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half35-29Ethan Kizer makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cameron Fens assists)
- 1st Half35-32Jaden Jackson makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half38-32Jordan Crawford makes 22-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half39-32Vince Buzelis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half40-32Vince Buzelis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half43-32Jordan Crawford makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half43-33Matthew Mors makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-34Matthew Mors makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-34Vince Buzelis makes layup (Cameron Fens assists)
- 2nd Half45-36Damon Wilkinson makes layup
- 2nd Half45-38Jaden Jackson makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-41Jaden Jackson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Joe Sayler assists)
- 2nd Half45-43Damon Wilkinson makes 4-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half45-45Damon Wilkinson makes layup (Kalen Garry assists)
- 2nd Half45-47Joe Sayler makes layup
- 2nd Half45-49Matthew Mors makes layup (Alec Squires assists)
- 2nd Half45-51Joe Sayler makes layup
- 2nd Half47-51Jordan Crawford makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-51Uzziah Buntyn makes 24-foot three point jumper (Silas Bennion assists)
- 2nd Half52-51Uzziah Buntyn makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-53Damon Wilkinson makes layup (Joe Sayler assists)
- 2nd Half54-53Uzziah Buntyn makes layup
- 2nd Half54-55Damon Wilkinson makes 7-foot hook shot (Joe Sayler assists)
- 2nd Half57-55Jordan Crawford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Silas Bennion assists)
- 2nd Half59-55Uzziah Buntyn makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-57Kalen Garry makes layup
- 2nd Half59-59Joe Sayler makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-61Joe Sayler makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-61Ethan Kizer makes 43-foot three point jumper (Uzziah Buntyn assists)
- 2nd Half62-63Damon Wilkinson makes layup
- 2nd Half64-63Cameron Fens makes 5-foot dunk (Uzziah Buntyn assists)
- 2nd Half64-65Damon Wilkinson makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half64-67Joe Sayler makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half67-67Jordan Crawford makes 27-foot three point jumper (Uzziah Buntyn assists)
- 2nd Half68-67Uzziah Buntyn makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours South Dakota State Jackrabbits, below favours South Dakota Coyotes.
Venue
- First Bank & Trust ArenaBrookings, SD
- Attendance4291
- OfficialsMark Riggs, Tim Stewart, Anthony Burris
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- Coyotes Edge Jackrabbits in Close ContestFeb 28, 2026