State Routs Chargers 71-49

South Dakota State pulled away in the second half to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball

South Dakota State defeated the Chargers 71-49 on November 7, 2026. The Jackrabbits led 36-24 at halftime and held on to win by 22 points.

Why it matters

The win gives South Dakota State a 2-0 start to the season, a useful early marker for the team. The margin reflects a balanced offensive effort and a Chargers team that struggled to make shots from deep.

South Dakota State shot 28 of 62 from the field (45.2 percent) and 6 of 26 from three-point range, while the Chargers shot 12 of 40 overall and 5 of 20 from deep. South Dakota State also out-rebounded Chargers 36-26 and finished with 11 assists.

The players

South Dakota State Jackrabbits

South Dakota State University's men's basketball program, a Division I team that competes in the Summit League.

The details

Mekonnen led South Dakota State with 18 points, while Kern and Sayler each added 10. Wingert led the Chargers with 15 points and Kleppe added 8 in the loss. The game drew an attendance of 3,227.

November 7, 2026: South Dakota State defeats the Chargers 71-49.

Season Trajectory

Early-season results like this one help shape how Division I teams are seeded and perceived as the season progresses. A 2-0 start gives South Dakota State a positive early marker, though the sample size remains small.

The 2-0 record gives South Dakota State an early edge in the standings for fans tracking the team's season. Mekonnen's 18-point game is a notable individual output for anyone following the roster.

The takeaway

Early-season wins such as this one set a baseline for evaluating a team's offense and depth. Watching how South Dakota State performs against tougher opponents will show whether the 71-point output is repeatable.