SIOUX FALLS – Kevin Obanor’s putback as time expired sent Oral Roberts to the Summit League championship game, as the Golden Eagles defeated South Dakota State 90-88 in semifinal action Monday night at the Sanford Pentagon.
It was a wild ending to a half filled with big shots by both teams, as South Dakota State (16-7) clawed back from a nine-point halftime deficit to tie the game, only to see Obanor end the Jackrabbits’ hopes of an NCAA Tournament bid.
Oral Roberts (15-6) advances to Tuesday night’s championship game where it will meet the winner of Monday’s other semifinal between South Dakota and North Dakota State.
Baylor Scheierman was outstanding. The sophomore from Aurora, Neb., posted a career-high 28 points on 8-of-18 shooting. He added nine rebounds and seven assists while playing all 40 minutes.
Douglas Wilson added 22 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth career double-double, while Matt Dentlinger (12), Alex Arians (10) and Luke Appel (10) were also in double figures for State.
Six Golden Eagles scored and all six were in double figures, led by Kareem Thompson’s career-high 22 points. SDSU held Max Abmas, the nation’s leading scorer to 18 points, six below his season average of 24, but he dished out 10 assists and collected three steals while never exiting the game.
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The Jackrabbits are eligible for postseason play but will have to wait until Sunday to find out if they are invited to a tournament.
*From gojacks.com
