SDSU fans proud of men’s team’s accomplishment

SIOUX FALLS (AP) — Fans of the South Dakota State University men’s basketball team say they are disappointed by the team’s loss in the NCAA tournament but still proud of the school’s accomplishment. The team’s coach says he expects even better things next season.

The men’s team made the tournament this season for the first time in school history. The Jackrabbits lost to Baylor 68-60 on Thursday night in Albuquerque, N.M.

“This is a huge step for the men’s program, going from NCAA Division II to Division I,” said SDSU alumnus Todd Hill of Omaha, Neb.

The team’s trip to the big dance came in the school’s fourth year of eligibility since becoming a full Division I member. Coach Scott Nagy told his players that he expects to be back in the tournament next year, though he’s making no guarantees.

“We could have a better year than we had this year and not get back (to the tournament),” the 17th-year coach said. “We know that, how difficult it is, the stretch of the season and then it comes down to three days in March and you better be playing well.”

The team that tied the school record for wins with 27 will lose just one senior.

“Our expectations are up now, and I think we have a target on our back now,” said sophomore Chad White, who scored 15 points in a reserve role Thursday.

The SDSU women are making their fourth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. They face Purdue today.

Tags: sports, updates, jackrabbits, sdsu