St. Thomas (Minn.) didn’t need drama to get separation. The Tommies delivered a composed, workmanlike finish Friday, beating South Dakota State 80-67 in NCAA action on March 6, 2026, to move to 24-8 on the season.
South Dakota State fell to 14-18, unable to match St. Thomas’ late-game execution as the margin widened into double digits.
What decided it
This one tilted on St. Thomas’ ability to turn a competitive game into a comfortable finish. With no quarter-by-quarter breakdown available, the clearest story is the final margin: an 80-point night paired with a 67-point defensive hold. St. Thomas won the math and the momentum, creating enough scoring distance to keep South Dakota State from mounting a credible closing push.
Key outcomes
St. Thomas stays on track
The win reinforced the Tommies’ current trajectory. Coming in with a 24-8 record and a WWWLW run of form, St. Thomas added another result that fits the profile: decisive, efficient, and controlled from the top line to the final horn.
South Dakota State’s inconsistency persists
For the Jackrabbits, the loss mirrored a season defined by uneven stretches. South Dakota State entered at 14-18 with a LLWWL form line, and Friday’s 13-point defeat underscored how thin the margin has been when they can’t dictate the closing minutes.
Big picture
St. Thomas’ 80-67 win is the kind of result that travels—solid scoring output, a manageable defensive number, and a finish that left little ambiguity. South Dakota State, meanwhile, heads forward still searching for the consistency required to turn competitive sequences into complete games.
Game details
League: NCAA
Season: 2025-2026
Date: March 6, 2026
Venue: TBD
Final: St. Thomas (Minn.) 80, South Dakota State 67