Women edged by Central Michigan

BROOKINGS, S.D. (GoJacks.com) — South Dakota State women’s basketball went down to the wire against Central Michigan but came up short, 79-74, on Saturday afternoon at Frost Arena.

The Jackrabbits fell to 7-5 on the season, while Central Michigan improved to 5-3.

For the second consecutive game, four Jackrabbits reached double figures led by Tagyn Larson, tying her season high of 15 points. Sydney Stapleton turned in 13 points, while Lindsey Theuninck and Kallie Theisen each scored 12.

The pair of Tylee Irwin and Paiton Burckhard led the defensive efforts for State with six rebounds apiece. Rylie Cascio Jensen dished out a team-high six assists, five of which came in the first quarter. Cascio Jensen added five rebounds, two steals and a block, while Irwin added a team-best three steals.

Central Michigan was led by Micaela Kelly as she went 12-of-18 from the field, including 7-of-8 from beyond the arc, for a total of 38 points. Molly Davis added 20 points and 7 assists for the Chippewas. As a team, CMU shot 50.9 percent from the field and 54.5 percent (12-of-22) from long distance.

SDSU outrebounded the Chippewas, 34-28, converting 14 offensive boards into 18 second-chance points in a contest that saw 13 lead changes and four ties.

South Dakota State concludes a three-game home stand as it hosts Marquette on Tuesday at 7 p.m.