BROOKINGS — For much of the day on Sunday, South Dakota State looked like it was still feeling the effects of Wednesday's loss to North Dakota State, which was their first home defeat of the season. Trailing Kansas City by seven with five minutes to play at First Bank & Trust Arena, the Jackrabbits looked headed towards a second.

The Mavericks came in having lost at South Dakota State on Thursday to cut their lead over St. Thomas in the conference standings to a half game, setting up Saturday’s showdown. The Tommies responded in championship fashion, improving their home record to 12-0, including 6-0 in the Summit.

Chase Forte scored a season-high 30 points to lead the South Dakota men's basketball team (17-11, 8-5 in Summit League) to an 85-80 win over St. Thomas (20-8, 10-3 in Summit League) on Wednesday. Forte made 10-of-18 field goals,