Who? The Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. It is highly recommended that you not mix this SDSU up with the one represented by the Aztecs. Neither side takes kindly to that kind of mistake.
What? Represented by Jack the Rabbit. Somehow that name got the plurality of the vote. Forgive me, South Dakotans, but I am not impressed with your imagination.
Where? Brookings, South Dakota, a city that was founded to entice a railroad.
When? March 6th, at the Summit Arena in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Why? They won the Summit League tournament.
How? UMKC leaped out to a 33-16 lead, but South Dakota State jumped right back into it behind Jennie Sunnarborg, and Jill Young's free throws with 7.1 seconds left in overtime gave the Jackrabbits a 78-77 win.
Surprise? The Jackrabbits were picked third in the preseason, but took the top seed by two games over Oral Roberts; playing the tournament in South Dakota couldn't hurt either.RPI (as of 3/5): 64
SOS (as of 3/5): 125
Record: 23-8 (16-2 Summit)
Good wins: That home and home sweep of UALR is looking mighty good right now.
Bad losses: They got flattened by Cincinnati in Cancun. At South Dakota doesn't look good, either.
Who's running this show? Aaron Johnston, since 2000, who coached them through their transition to Division I.
Extra, Extra! The Brookings Register.
There are only two seniors on this Jackrabbit team- but those two seniors are the core of the team. Jennie Sunnarborg leads them with 14.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, while Jill Young averages 12 points and almost 41% 3-point shooting. A strangely well-balanced squad in terms of size and age, but I'd be worried about turnover issues and height problems in the tournament.