SDSU Women face Utah in the first round of NCAA Tournament

BROOKINGS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota State Women’s Basketball program is in the NCAA Division I Women’s National Championship for the 12th time, and they’re headed west to start their run in the tournament.

The 12-seeded Jackrabbits are pitted against 5-seeded Utah, for what will be the fourth game ever between the two programs. The first and second round games will be held out in Spokane, Washington.

Utah and SDSU last meet in 2009, with the Utes taking the 62-58 win. Utah has won two games between the two, while the Jackrabbits have one win.

The team is getting ready for the road ahead, knowing that each time they make the tournament is special and an opportunity.

“I think any tournament we go to is special, and I’ve been fortunate to go to a couple. I think as a senior, this one will be really exciting for me and I really just want to enjoy the moment, and I’m excited to do it with this group girls and kind of create some more memories,” SDSU senior forward Tori Nelson said.

“A lot of teams that were called, were called for either the first time ever, or maybe the first time in years. For us to have this be our 12th time is pretty remarkable, and it just never gets old because we understand how hard it is to get to this level, and we’re going to try and make the most of it but also enjoy it at the same time,” SDSU head coach Aaron Johnston said.

The game between the two is slated for Saturday, March 23. Game time is set for 9:00 p.m. CT.

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