Although Kansas got a huge win in the Champions Classic against Kentucky, the sloppiness showed that there’s still a lot they need to work on. They’ll get that chance against a South Dakota State team that may have the best player in all of mid-major basketball.
TV schedule: Friday, Nov. 17, 8:00 p.m. ET. ESPN3
Arena: Allen Fieldhouse in Lawerence, Kansas
After Tuesday’s 65-61 win, Kansas (2-0) and head coach Bill Self are riding high in confidence. There were some issues, especially the offensive possessions that were lackluster at best towards the end, but it has to feel good to win against a top-10 team despite their top player Devonte Graham going just 3/14.
That’s due to the performance of Svi Mykhaliuk, who led the team with 17 points. Other players stepped up in the short rotation for the Jayhawks, including Malik Newman and Lagerald Vick.
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The player of the game, however, was big man Udoka Azubuike, who not only had to play well on the offensive end (13 points and eight rebounds) but also had to deal with the athletic and long Wildcats all night. For this game, however, he’ll deal with a frontcourt player who can score with the best of them.
South Dakota State (3-0) was the representative for the Summit League in last year’s NCAA Tournament. They entered in as a 16 seed before losing to the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first round. They return many of the key pieces to last season’s run, including Summit League Player of the Year Mike Daum.
Last season, the Jackrabbits’ star averaged over 25 ppg, including a 51-point game at Indiana Fort Wayne. The 6’9, 245-pound junior can score in a variety of ways and has performed well against even power competition. This season, he’s off to another hot start, averaging 21.3 ppg and 10.7 rpg, including dropping 30 points and 13 rebounds in just 20 minutes played against Alabama State.
He’ll be joined by freshman David Jenkins, who’s come in immediately and provides a secondary scoring option for Daum. In his first three college games, he’s putting up 16.3 ppg so far. 6’6 senior forward Reed Tellinghuisen provides support down low with 9.7 ppg and 7.3 rpg.
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The match-up to watch for is going to be Azubuike and Daum, and, if either one gets into foul trouble, it could be a problem for that team. Kansas has more talent top to bottom but the Jackrabbits are not your typical small school that gets run-over. An emotional letdown is also a possibility after the close game on Tuesday. Kansas should win at home, but Daum and company won’t make it easy.
Prediction: Kansas 82 – South Dakota State 73