By JIM FULLER Associated Press
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Facing a double-digit deficit early in the second half did not shake the confidence level of a South Dakota State women’s basketball team that starts all juniors and seniors.
Using a more aggressive mindset after halftime, the 10th-seeded Jackrabbits won their NCAA tournament opener for the fifth time in program history with a 74-68 win over No. 7 seed Oklahoma State.
Madison Mathiowetz scored all 17 of her points in the second half while Brooklyn Meyer finished with 19 points as the Jackrabbits advance to play second-seeded UConn on Monday in the second round.
South Dakota State was limited to 24 points as the Jackrabbits had 11 first-half turnovers. The Jackrabbits had just five turnovers and shot 56% from the field in the second half.
Stailee Heard led five Oklahoma State starters scoring in double figures with 20 points. Anna Gret Asi finished with 16 points including two late 3-pointers to keep the Cowgirls within range.
Takeaway
The Cowgirls fall to 12-18 in the NCAA Tournament. They reached the Sweet 16 in 1991, 2008, and 2014. Oklahoma State has lost its tourney opener in each of the last two seasons with the last NCAA Tournament win coming in 2021 against Wake Forest.
Key Moment
Mathiowetz had a driving layup just before the third-quarter buzzer went off to break a 50-50 tie. She opened the scoring in the fourth quarter with another basket before back-to-back hoops by Paige Meyer pushed San Diego State’s lead to eight. Oklahoma State pulled within three points on a Micah Gray 3-pointer, but could get no closer.
