1. South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits had a lead with 7 minutes to go playing at # 6 Wichita State. The key to shutting down the Jackrabbits might be slowing down Mike Daum, but no one in the Summit League has really proven that they can do that.
2. South Dakota
The Coyotes are currently leading the Summit League in fewest turnovers, and they also rank 3rd in defensive field goal percentage. It’s tough to beat a team that can defend, as well as take care of the ball on offense.
3. Denver
The Pioneers are currently 3rd in the Summit League in field goal percentage, 2nd in three point field goal percentage, and they’re also leading the conference in rebounding – as one of the smallest teams in the league.
While South Dakota State has defeated two Power 5 teams, Denver’s win over Wyoming is probably the best non-conference win for any Summit League team so far. The Jackrabbits did lose to Wyoming.
4. Western Illinois
I just threw up in my mouth. Okay, I actually just threw up all over my hands.
They are leading the Summit League in defensive field goal percentage, but they have played the against the easiest schedule in the league. It will be interesting to see what happens when they get to conference play, and see how they might play against teams who went the opposite direction as them in creating an incredibly difficult non-conference schedule.
Jeremiah Usiosefe did almost pick up a triple-double against Milwaukee on Saturday. He finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.
5. North Dakota State
I’m sure the Bison will be fine in March, but they’re actually not looking too impressive right now. AJ Jacobson appears slowed down, after having foot issues over the summer, and the post players are all incredibly inconsistent.
6. Fort Wayne
The Mastodons are leading the conference in steals, and probably have the fastest pace of play in the Summit League right now, and they’re going to need that as they are currently one of the worst shooting teams in the conference. John Konchar actually seems a little more human so far this season.
7. Oral Roberts
Over the last couple of weeks, Missouri State managed to make South Dakota State and North Dakota State look like the worst version of themselves. Yesterday, the Golden Eagles were able to pick up their third win of the season over the Bears.
This team has been playing with injury issues, inconsistency with the newcomers on the team, and even a suspension to one of their best players.
8. Omaha
This is turning out to be a nightmare season. The expectations weren’t incredibly high before the beginning of the year, but now with the loss of Mitch Hahn, the Mavericks will have to fight harder for wins.
The Mavericks only had one steal as a team against Drake on Saturday. Has that ever happened?
Maybe things will start to improve when this team gets to add Renard Suggs to the roster, but right now the team needs depth at the forward position. Can we bring back Rylan Murry? Is he still in school?
This season might turn into mix tape for seeing what the future can be with Matt Pile and Ayo Akinwole. They’re both incredibly smart players, and watching them develop and show what they can do has some excitement to it.
At least the Baxter Arena has caramel filled pretzels?
I don’t even know what to really say right now. My brain is just in random places.