Jacks Grind Out Win Over George Washington

Sunday, December 11

Brookings, S.D.

1 p.m.

South Dakota State University

8-2

George Washington

7-4

George Washington

South Dakota State

Photo by: Inertia Sports Media/Dave Eggen

12/11/2016 3:35:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

BROOKINGS, S.D.—South Dakota State University women's basketball coach Aaron Johnston picked up his 400^th win as the Jackrabbits overcame an 11-0 deficit to record a 60-55 nonconference win over George Washington Sunday before 1,111 fans at Frost Arena. In his 17^th season, Johnston's record is 400-135.

The Jackrabbits improved to 8-2 overall while George Washington is now 7-4.

George Washington opened the game with an 11-0 run fueled by 6 points from Caira Washington and 5 from Hannah Schaible. The Jackrabbits trailed 22-4 before junior forward Ellie Thompson sank a 3-point field goal from the corner with 49 seconds left in the quarter. Thompson's 3-pointer sparked an 18-2 run. Senior guard Kerri Young sank one of two free throws with 2:40 left in the second quarter to bring the Jackrabbits within two, 24-22. The teams traded baskets for the rest of the quarter and the Colonials led 30-28 at halftime.

After making only 1 of its first 14 field goals, State closed the half by making 8 of its next 16 shots to fuel the comeback, which was also helped by the Jackrabbits forcing seven turnovers in the second quarter.

Thompson hit a 3-pointer with 8:27 to play in the third quarter to give the Jackrabbits a 35-32 lead. However, SDSU would not score again until Thompson scored inside with 66 seconds left in the quarter to take a 37-36 lead. Again, the teams traded baskets and the Colonials led 40-39 after three quarters.

George Washington built a 46-42 lead before five-straight points by senior guard Ena Viso gave the Jackrabbits a 47-46 lead with 6:15 to play. Young then scored five points to give SDSU a 52-48 lead. Thompson converted a conventional three-point play with 53.4 seconds left to put SDSU up 55-48. SDSU closed the game by making five of six free throws.

Thompson and Young each scored 13 points to lead the Jackrabbits. Ober and Madison Guebert added 11. Washington led George Washington with 14 points.

"I'm happy for the team today," Johnston said. "I'm really happy for Ena, to see her play such a big role in an important game. She really stood out to me as someone who had a special game today."

Notes

Madison Guebert grabbed a career-high six rebounds.
Ena Viso tallied a career-best 6 points.
Kerri Young's streak of 31 consecutive free throws ended when she sank one of two free throws in the second quarter.
Junior Alexis Alexander made her first collegiate start.
Today's win was the first for the Jackrabbits over an Atlantic 10 Conference team.

Up Next
South Dakota State travels east to take on No. 8/8 Louisville Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the KFC Yum! Center.

For more information on the South Dakota State women's basketball team, follow the Jackrabbits on Twitter (@GoJacksWBB) or like South Dakota State women's basketball on Facebook.

-GoJacks.com-