Summit League Basketball: Power ranking the conference (v.3)

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DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 02: Head coach Craig Smith of the South Dakota Coyotes reacts during their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Yes, the Coyotes did suffer their first conference loss last Saturday to North Dakota State. However, the reason they are still above the Bison in these rankings is that they are the more complete team. See, the previous week’s performance plays a factor, but the greater body of work of the respective teams is equally important. That is why South Dakota only drops to No. 2.

The Coyotes are a stellar rebounding team, hauling in 37 boards a game. They are also seventh in the country in total team rebounds. This is a strength unseen by other teams in the Summit League. It may also be the asset that pushes the Coyotes past their fellow conference opponents.

Their tough stretch of games continues as they play Fort Wayne next. They then have the weekend off as they meet Oral Roberts on Wednesday, Jan. 17. While those are two difficult opponents they are winnable games for the Coyotes.