COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Oakland falls to South Dakota State in Summit quarterfinals
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Oakland University’s stay in the Summit League Women’s Basketball Tournament was a short one.
The eight-seeded Golden Grizzlies were ousted by top-seeded South Dakota State, 67-53, at the Sioux Falls Arena. South Dakota State (23-7) advances to Monday’s semifinals.
“Our players were crying after the game,” said Oakland head coach Beckie Francis. “That is a good sign because it shows that they didn’t sell out and that they really cared. It means they didn’t cash it in this year, despite all of the injuries we had to key players.”
Olivia Nash scored the first seven points of the game for Oakland to put the Golden Grizzlies in front 7-2. She finished the game with 17 points and equaled a career-high with three 3-pointers. Nash also tied with Elena Popkey for the team rebounding lead with six boards.
OU still only shot 31.1 percent for the season and didn’t get past the opening round for the second straight season. Two years ago, Oakland lost in the Summit League championship game.
Oakland kept the momentum and led 14-10 when Amy Carlton scored on a putback layup. The Jackrabbits responded with a quick five-point spurt and took their first lead of the game, 15-14, on a 3-pointer by Ashley Eide. The run extended from the 12:38 mark to the 6:36 mark of the first half, as the Jackrabbits outscored Oakland 13-0.
Nash stopped the run with a 3-pointer, but South Dakota State led 35-22 at the half.
The second half saw Oakland trail by as many as 19 points, but a determined effort from Victoria Lipscomb helped the Golden Grizzlies stay within striking distance. She scored 12 of her 14 points in the second half. Lipscomb also turned in three steals, as OU forced SDSU into 17 turnovers. Sinclair Russell finished with 10 points, including a 4-of-5 effort at the free-throw line.
Katie Lingle had 18 points and nine rebounds to lead South Dakota State, while Eide also scored 18. Leah Dietel had 12 points for the Jackrabbits, who shot 44.6 percent from the field and had 19 assists.
Peyton Apsey grabbed five rebounds and had two steals for the Golden Grizzlies, while Elizabeth Hamlet led the team with three of the team’s six assists.
“I was proud of our team, of how we played and the effort we put forth today,” added Francis. “I think our players truly gave their all and that credit goes to South Dakota State because they’re a good team.”
Oakland does not have any seniors on the active roster this season. Preseason Summit League Player of the Year Bethany Watterworth missed the season with an injury and took a redshirt campaign.
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