South Dakota
Ambitious South Dakota State women’s basketball team visits St. Thomas on Wednesday
The St. Thomas women’s basketball team has started 1-4 in the Summit League, and Wednesday night would not appear the optimum time for a turnaround. South Dakota State, among the most ambitious mid-major programs in the country, is making what’s now its annual visit to St. Paul.
Coach Aaron Johnston, in charge at SDSU full-time since the 2000-01 season, has become a firm believer in tough scheduling. The opponents before Summit play included Rice, Creighton, Wisconsin, Duke, Georgia Tech, Oregon and Texas — a gantlet that gave the Jackrabbits the nation’s No. 10-rated strength of schedule in nonconference Division I games.
Duke (currently rated No. 14) came to Brookings, S.D., for a nationally televised game and survived 75-71. SDSU split two games in Hawaii — losing to Georgia Tech (No. 18) and beating Oregon. The Jackrabbits were drilled 103-57 at No. 7 Texas, but that’s all part of Johnston’s theory of scheduling tough, one reason being:
When a Summit League team gets to the NCAA tournament, it generally will be as a double-digit seed and facing a very difficult first-round game. The Jackrabbits managed to get a No. 6 seed in 2019 and won two NCAA games to reach the Sweet 16.
This time, Johnston’s team went 10-3 in nonconference games (including two non-D1 teams) and now has started 5-0 in Summit play. The Jackrabbits are 7-0 vs. St. Thomas in the previous three seasons.
The commitment to the SDSU women’s program is impressive. The old, larger Frost Arena underwent a $66 million renovation that opened this season: First Bank & Trust Arena, with a 5,500-seat capacity.
Downstairs, there’s a trophy room with two doors: One leads to a full gym and facility for the women’s team, the other door to the same for the men’s team.
Paige Meyer, a star guard for the Albany team that beat Providence Academy in Minnesota’s 2A title game in 2021, said: “We have our own space — no shuffling practices around. We have a fan base. And we have tough nonconference schedules. Those are all things that drew me here. When teams like Duke come here, the players are always saying great things about the atmosphere.”
South Dakota
SD Lottery Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 28, 2025
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
12-17-25-34-42, Lucky Ball: 09
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
- Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
- Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.
When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South Dakota
Wildcats Host South Dakota State in Non-conference Clash
As No. 1 Arizona prepares to host South Dakota State, the Wildcats enter the matchup with formidable momentum, sitting undefeated at 12-0 and ranked atop the AP Poll, while the Jackrabbits, currently around .500, bring a balanced, competitive Summit League squad to the McKale Center. Arizona’s explosive offensive firepower and deep rotation contrast with South Dakota State’s gritty, multi-positional attack, setting up what should be a compelling clash of styles.
Arizona’s Dominant Season So Far
Arizona has lived up to expectations in the 2025-26 season, boasting one of the nation’s best records and a scoring average near 90 points per game, a robust scoring margin of +23.8, and strength in rebounding and ball movement. The Wildcats have been efficient from the field and beyond the arc, shooting well above 50% overall and maintaining a balanced attack that spreads the floor.
Brayden Burries leads Arizona’s scoring effort, averaging 14.0 points per game and serving as a go-to offensive option who can score in bunches, as seen in recent wins where he has paced the Wildcats with 20+ points. Koa Peat has been a force inside, contributing around 13.8 points per game while anchoring the front court and helping on the boards.
In addition to those two, Jaden Bradley (about 13.4 PPG) orchestrates the offense with playmaking and defensive activity, and Anthony Dell’Orso, Motiejus Krivas, Tobe Awaka, and Ivan Kharchenkov provide depth scoring that keeps Arizona’s attack potent even when starters rest. Together, these contributors have allowed Arizona to score in volume and limit opponents’ opportunities, creating a balanced scoring sheet where multiple players average near double figures.
South Dakota State’s Competitive Core
South Dakota State enters the game with a 7-7 record, leading the Summit League thanks to a team built around balance rather than one superstar. Guard Jaden Jackson paces the Jackrabbits at 12.8 PPG, also contributing across rebounds, assists, and steals, which is a sign of his all-around activity.
Center Damon Wilkinson provides interior toughness, averaging about 6.1 rebounds and over 12 points per game, and while not a gaudy stat line, his presence in the paint gives South Dakota State a physical edge.
Joe Sayler and Kalen Garry each average double figures, adding backcourt support and versatility. Sayler can score efficiently as he demonstrated with a 20-point performance in a recent matchup, while Garry’s ability to crash the boards from the perimeter and facilitate offense keeps the Jackrabbits competitive. Role players like Trey Buchanan and Matthew Mors help keep bench minutes productive and offer additional shooting or size when needed.
Preview Outlook & Matchup Dynamics
The contrast in style is stark: Arizona thrives on pace, efficiency, and depth, using its elite offense to overwhelm defenses and control game tempo, while South Dakota State relies on balance and position-to-position execution, hoping to stay close with disciplined possessions and key buckets from multiple contributors.
Arizona’s ability to defend spreads and turn defense into offense could be the deciding factor, as the Wildcats have forced turnovers and generated transition points consistently.
For the Jackrabbits, containing Arizona’s scoring depth, particularly Burries, Peat, and Bradley, will be essential, as will rebounding and limiting second-chance points. If South Dakota State can keep the pace deliberate, defend without fouling, and stay efficient from three, they could challenge Arizona longer than many expect.
But given Arizona’s undefeated run and statistical advantages across scoring, rebounding, and bench production, the Wildcats enter the game as strong favorites to continue their dominant season.
Tell us how you see the Holiday Bowl playing out for Arizona by commenting on our Facebook page. Also, be sure to follow @NateMartTSports on X for updates on all things Arizona Wildcats.
South Dakota
SD Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 27, 2025
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
08-12-24-26-42, Lucky Ball: 17
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
08-10-20-47-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 05
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Dakota Cash numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
08-14-15-20-30
Check Dakota Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
- Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
- Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.
When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.
-
Entertainment1 week agoHow the Grinch went from a Yuletide bit player to a Christmas A-lister
-
Connecticut1 week agoSnow Accumulation Estimates Increase For CT: Here Are The County-By-County Projections
-
Entertainment1 week agoPat Finn, comedy actor known for roles in ‘The Middle’ and ‘Seinfeld,’ dies at 60
-
World6 days agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoIndianapolis Colts playoffs: Updated elimination scenario, AFC standings, playoff picture for Week 17
-
Southeast1 week agoTwo attorneys vanish during Florida fishing trip as ‘heartbroken’ wife pleads for help finding them
-
World1 week agoSnoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, Huntr/x and Andrea Bocelli Deliver Christmas-Themed Halftime Show for Netflix’s NFL Lions-Vikings Telecast
-
World1 week agoBest of 2025: Top five defining moments in the European Parliament