Event Preview
Overview
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits are set to face the Eastern Washington Eagles in a non-conference women's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM EEST. The game will take place at First Bank and Trust Arena in Brookings, South Dakota. This contest offers both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of their respective conference schedules.
Season Snapshot
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
The Jackrabbits have been a dominant force in the Summit League, finishing the 2024–25 season with a 30–4 overall record and a perfect 16–0 conference record. They clinched both the Summit League regular-season and tournament titles, with Paige Meyer earning tournament MVP honors. (en.wikipedia.org) Their strong performance earned them a No. 23 ranking in the final AP Poll of the 2024–25 season. (gojacks.com)
Eastern Washington Eagles
The Eagles concluded the 2024–25 season with an 11–20 overall record and a 7–11 mark in the Big Sky Conference. Under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Joddie Gleason, Eastern Washington faced challenges throughout the season but gained valuable experience that they aim to build upon in the current campaign. (en.wikipedia.org)
Recent Form
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
The Jackrabbits have maintained a strong performance, entering the 2025–26 season with a 6–2 record. Their recent victories include a notable win over Oklahoma State in the NCAA Tournament's first round, where they overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to secure a 74–68 victory. (reuters.com)
Eastern Washington Eagles
The Eagles have faced a challenging start to the 2025–26 season, holding a 2–7 record as of December 7, 2024. Their recent games have been marked by close contests, indicating a team that is competitive and capable of challenging opponents. (s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com)
Talking Points
-
Jackrabbits' Dominance: Can South Dakota State continue their impressive form from the previous season into this matchup?
-
Eagles' Resilience: How will Eastern Washington respond to their early-season challenges against a formidable opponent?
-
Key Player Matchups: Which individual performances will be pivotal in determining the game's outcome?
-
Coaching Strategies: What tactical approaches will each coach employ to secure a victory?
-
Home Court Advantage: How significant will the Jackrabbits' home-court advantage be in this non-conference game?
Players to Watch
-
Brooklyn Meyer (South Dakota State): A standout guard who led the team with 19 points and 8 rebounds in their NCAA Tournament victory over Oklahoma State. (reuters.com)
-
Peyton Howard (Eastern Washington): A dynamic scorer averaging 16.2 points per game, Howard has been a consistent offensive threat for the Eagles. (s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com)
-
Paige Meyer (South Dakota State): The tournament MVP in the Summit League, Meyer has been instrumental in the Jackrabbits' success. (en.wikipedia.org)
-
Ella Gallatin (Eastern Washington): A versatile player contributing 9.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, Gallatin's all-around skills are crucial for the Eagles. (s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com)
-
Haleigh Timmer (South Dakota State): A reliable scorer with an average of 12.9 points per game, Timmer's shooting efficiency is a key asset for the Jackrabbits. (s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
-
Guard Play: The battle between Brooklyn Meyer and Peyton Howard will be crucial, as both are central to their teams' offensive schemes.
-
Frontcourt Presence: The performance of South Dakota State's forwards against Eastern Washington's bigs will influence the game's tempo and scoring opportunities.
-
Coaching Tactics: Aaron Johnston's experience versus Joddie Gleason's adaptability will be a storyline to watch, especially in adjusting to in-game situations.
Fun Facts
-
Home Court Advantage: First Bank and Trust Arena has been a fortress for the Jackrabbits, contributing to their strong home record.
-
Tournament Success: South Dakota State's victory over Oklahoma State in the NCAA Tournament marked a significant milestone in their program's history. (reuters.com)
-
Player Milestones: Brooklyn Meyer and Paige Meyer have been instrumental in the Jackrabbits' success, with both players earning accolades for their performances.
Things to Chirp About
-
"Can the Jackrabbits maintain their dominance at home against the Eagles?"
-
"Will Peyton Howard's scoring prowess be enough to challenge South Dakota State's defense?"
-
"How will the coaching strategies unfold in this non-conference showdown?"
-
"Is Brooklyn Meyer the key to the Jackrabbits' success this season?"
Prediction
While Eastern Washington has shown resilience, South Dakota State's depth, experience, and home-court advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. The Jackrabbits are likely to secure a victory, but the Eagles' competitive spirit could make it a closely contested game.