News

The men have had their chance. Now it's the women's turn. SDSU travels to USD for the first time since 2004 tonight, in a game we'll have live on MidcoSN.

In addition to the obvious and, frankly, overused rivalry storyline, this rematch is exciting because it features the two hottest teams in the Summit League.

Since the Jacks and Coyotes battled in Brookings back on Jan. 16--a game SDSU won 59-51--the teams are a combined 13-0. SDSU has actually won nine straight overall, while the Coyotes have claimed seven consecutive W's.

Obviously, something will have to give tonight.

The last two wins for SDSU (18-7, 13-1 Summit) have been a bit underwhelming. The Jacks turned the ball over a combined 44 times against Oral Roberts and UMKC, and needed a season-best 53 second half points to erase a 15-point first half deficit against the 'Roos.

Those victories, albeit ugly, have put SDSU in position to clinch at least a share of the Summit League's regular season title, which they can do tonight with a win and an ORU loss.

However, the Coyotes will likely make it difficult for the Jacks to hold up their end of that bargain. Following Saturday's 53-40 win over North Dakota State, USD (17-6, 8-5 Summit) is 11-1 at the DakotaDome this season.

Their defense, which allows a Summit League-low 52.6 ppg, is even more stingy in Vermillion (49,9 ppg). In fact, the 'Yotes last two opponents, UNO and NDSU, have scored a 78 points combined, and just 22 in the first half.

That sets the stage for another classic battle. And, for the first time in the Division I era, there's something tangible at stake.

Should be fun.