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The South Dakota State men’s basketball team picked up a signature win on its opening night of the 2026-27 season, going on the road to beat Kansas State 68-66 on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
It’s the Jackrabbits’ first win in program history against the Wildcats.
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South Dakota State is coming off a 14-18 season, its first losing season since 2009-10. The Jackrabbits also had to play without presumed starters Jesse VanKalsbeek and Alec Squires on Tuesday due to injuries.
That didn’t matter for SDSU, as redshirt freshman Davis Kern stepped in for Squires and delivered. He went for 24 points on 7-for-15 from the field and 5-for-8 from three in 38 minutes. Kern also added eight rebounds.
Jon Mekonnen, a transfer from Colorado State, pitched in 14 points in his Jackrabbit debut. Returning guards Kalen Garry and Joe Sayler added 14 and 10 points, respectively, while shooting a combined 4-for-8 from deep.
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The Jackrabbits shot 41.7% (10-for-24) from three as a team despite going just 43.9% (25-for-57) from the field.
South Dakota State led 35-28 at halftime thanks to a steady offensive showing. The Jacks got down 54-49 in the second half before closing the game on a 19-12 stretch.
South Dakota State will look to make it 2-0 at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at home against NAIA Briar Cliff.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Shorthanded SDSU men’s basketball wins season opener at Kansas State
