{
  "id": 18663515,
  "title": "South Dakota State men's basketball wins home opener vs Briar Cliff",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/south-dakota-state-mens-basketball-wins-home-opener-vs-briar-cliff",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T07:29:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/south-dakota-state-mens-basketball-072924481.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The South Dakota State men's basketball team secured a home opener victory with a convincing 71-49 win against NAIA opponents Briar Cliff on Friday, November 6. This marked the team's second win of the season, bringing their record to 2-0.\n\nBriar Cliff had previously defeated South Dakota State in their season-opening game at Kansas State. However, the Jackrabbits bounced back with a comprehensive win. Three South Dakota State players reached double figures in scoring, with Jon Mekonnen leading the charge with 18 points on 8-for-11 shooting accuracy.\n\nJoe Sayler and Davis Kern each chipped in with ten points each, while freshman Cam Swearingen added nine points to the South Dakota State tally. EJ Ryans contributed eight points to the team effort.\n\nA total of ten Jackrabbits found the basket in the win, as South Dakota State outrebounded Briar Cliff 36-27. However, the game was decided by a 23-13 deficit in turnovers. The Jackrabbits shot 45.2% (28-for-62) from the field and 23.1% (6-for-26) from beyond the arc, while the Chargers struggled with a 30.0% (12-for-40) field goal percentage and 25.0% (5-for-20) three-point accuracy.\n\nSouth Dakota State's next match is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, at 7 pm, when they will host Valparaiso.",
  "summary": "The South Dakota State men's basketball team is 2-0 after winning its home opener vs. NAIA Briar Cliff on Friday, Nov. 6.",
  "key_points": [
    "South Dakota State defeats Briar Cliff 71-49 in home opener",
    "Jon Mekonnen leads with 18 points and 8/11 shooting",
    "South Dakota State outrebounds Briar Cliff 36-27"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Jackrabbits' ability to force turnovers and dominate the boards allows them to quickly overcome an early season loss and establish momentum heading into their next home matchup.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}