A Midwestern Showdown Returns to Sioux Falls
South Dakota State University’s men’s basketball program will open its 2026‑27 campaign with a non‑conference clash against Green Bay on December 21, 2026, inside the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. The matchup marks the seventh straight year the Jackrabbits have staged a regular‑season game at the venue, underscoring a long‑standing partnership between the university and the downtown arena.
The game will pit the Jackrabbits, who finished the previous season with a 14‑18 overall record and a 7‑9 mark in Summit League play, against a Green Bay squad that improved to 18‑15 under second‑year head coach Doug Gottlieb. Both coaches expressed optimism, with Bryan Petersen, now in his second year leading the Jackrabbits, highlighting the importance of testing his team against a strong Midwest opponent.
Fans can expect to see key contributors back in action. Last season’s leading scorer Joe Sayler will return, as will Kalen Garry, who averaged more than 10 points per game. Their presence adds continuity and experience to a roster eager to build on a 10‑6 home record at Heritage Court, the team’s traditional home floor.
The upcoming contest is more than a schedule filler; it is framed as a quality test for both programs. Green Bay’s first trip to Sioux Falls adds a layer of excitement, while South Dakota State aims to leverage its recent home success and the familiar confines of the Pentagon to gain early momentum heading into conference play.
Looking Ahead
As the Jackrabbits prepare to take the court, the broader basketball community watches closely. The match represents a convergence of rising talent, seasoned coaching, and a venue that has become a staple of the team’s identity. Whether the game will serve as a springboard for a deeper postseason run remains to be seen, but the anticipation among players, coaches, and supporters is palpable.