South Dakota State rallies from 14-point deficit to defeat Western Illinois 80-74

South Dakota State rallies for 80-74 victory

MACOMB, Ill. — South Dakota State overcame a 14-point, second-half deficit to defeat Western Illinois 80-74 Saturday.

The Jackrabbits (3-5, 1-1 Summit League) trailed 46-32 with 17:15 remaining but shot 60 percent (15 for 25) from the field and 46.2 percent from 3-point range (6 for 13) in the second half to get back in it.

South Dakota took the lead at 68-67 with 2:36 left and still led by one, 73-72, with 53 seconds remaining when Michael Palarca hit a 3-pointer to extend the lead.

Palarca led the Jackrabbits with 14 points, four assists and three steals. Kai Williams added 11 points and Garrett Callahan had 10.

Western Illinois (3-5, 0-2) shot 58.3 percent during the game but was outrebounded 40-22. Matt Lander led the Leathernecks with 17 points. James Granstra, Ceola Clark and Jeremy Felton each had 12.