THE STARTERS
- Lisa Thomas has served as a playmaker for the Roos since re-entering the starting rotation on Dec. 19. Over the last five matches, she has recorded an average of 5.2 assists and over 25 minutes of playtime per game. In the defeat against North Dakota, Thomas logged 29 minutes and was the sole Roo among the players who spent ten or more minutes on the court to finish with no turnovers. Currently, she sits sixth in the conference for assist-to-turnover ratio and 219th in the country.
- Defensive strategies have been emphasized for Kansas City, as the Roos lead the Summit in average offensive rebounds per game (14.5) and steals per game (10.6). KC is positioned within the top 50 nationally in both metrics.
- The Roos’ defeat against North Dakota marked the initial instance in five games that they were unable to achieve a 20-point individual performance. Three players scored in double figures, with Alayna Contreras topping the team with 16 points. The last occasion KC had gone without a 20-point performer was on Dec. 11 against Kansas.
- Consistency has been observed in the Roos’ starting lineup, featuring Lisa Thomas, Alayna Contreras, Emani Bennett, Elauni Bennett, and Kelby Bannerman over the last four matches. Five players have participated in all 17 contests this season, with Contreras and Em. Bennett being the only two Roos to have started every game.
- After the matchup in Brookings, the Roos will head back home for a stretch of three consecutive games. From Jan. 15 to Jan. 22, KC will host Denver, North Dakota State, and Oral Roberts, marking the longest home series in conference play.
SCOUTING SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
- The Jackrabbits come into the contest on a three-game winning run that commenced with an 81-76 victory over Oral Roberts at the start of conference action. Their third league win occurred on Thursday against Omaha, with a score of 93-55.
- Saturday’s game represents the 21st conference encounter between the Roos and the Jackrabbits. KC aims for its second conference road win of the season and to mark its second league victory against SDSU. The Roos’ sole win over SDSU was on Jan. 11, 2010, where they triumphed 67-64.
- This season signifies SDSU’s sixth consecutive year starting with a 3-0 record in conference play. The Jackrabbits’ streak dates back to Jan. 6, 2019, following a loss to South Dakota, 98-105 in double overtime, which lowered their Summit record to 2-1. That defeat against South Dakota remains their only conference loss for the 2018-19 season.
- Brooklyn Meyer and Haleigh Timmer are both averaging double-digit points, registering 16.5 and 13.1 points per game, respectively.