STRONG SECOND HALF PUSHES MAVS PAST JACKS

Wednesday, January 28

Omaha, Neb.

7 p.m.

South Dakota State University

10-12,3-4Summit League

Omaha

11-12,4-4Summit League

South Dakota St.

Omaha

Kalen Garry

Photo by: Andrew Pedersen

1/28/2026 10:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Andrew Pedersen

OMAHA, Neb. – South Dakota State led early and stayed within striking distance for much of the night, but Omaha's efficiency and late-game execution proved the difference as the Mavericks secured an 80–71 victory over the Jacks on Wednesday in Baxter Arena.

South Dakota State had a four-point lead early in the first half as well as in the waning moments of the opening 20 minutes. The Jackrabbits eventually went into the break up 34-32 despite shooting just 36.4% from the field.

The momentum shifted quickly after halftime. Omaha continued its steady shooting percentage, shooting over 46% across both halves, and capitalized at the free-throw line. The Mavericks outscored the Jackrabbits 48–37 during the final 20 minutes. The Mavericks methodically built their lead, carried by 10-point second halves each from Grant Stubblefield and Paul Djobet.

South Dakota State trimmed the deficit down to 69-65 with just over three minutes remaining. A Kamryn Thomas dunk for Omaha, followed by back-to-back empty possessions on offense for the Jacks, proved too much late. The Mavericks went 18-for-22 (81.8%) at the charity stripe during the second half to shut the door on the contest.

Omaha's balance proved decisive. The Mavericks finished with five players in double figures paced by Djobet's double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Stubblefield had five assists and five steals for Omaha.

Despite finishing with a solid night on the glass – 39 rebounds to Omaha's 35 – South Dakota State struggled from beyond the arc. The Jackrabbits went 5 of 26 (19.2%) from 3-point range. The Jackrabbits finished under 40% from the field.

Damon Wilkinson led South Dakota State with a team-high 24 points which tied his career best. Kalen Garry added a season-high 22 points, knocking down five 3-pointers. Bubz Alvarez chipped in a season-high 10 points off the bench and matched a career-high six rebounds.

The loss evened the regular-season series between the teams. Omaha improved to 11-12 overall and 4-4 in Summit League play, while the Jacks dropped to 10-12 overall and 3-4 in conference action.

NOTES

Wilkinson was 10-for-11 from the field. His .909 field goal percentage in the contest tied for the fifth best single-game mark in program history.
Garry's 22 points are the most since he recorded his career high of 27. That career-best output came a season ago at Omaha last January.
Omaha earned its fourth victory over South Dakota State in the previous 21 meetings. The Mavs have defeated the Jacks on their home floor two straight seasons.

UP NEXT
South Dakota State begins a three-game home stand on Saturday. The Jackrabbits are slated to host Oral Roberts in First Bank & Trust Arena at 2 p.m. The game is part of SDSU's Lamb Bonanza and is also a Coaches vs. Cancer matchup. The first 400 South Dakota State students to Saturday's game will receive a free SDSU bucket hat.

-GoJacks.com-