He's 'Cluff' Enough: Oscar delivers 20th double double

• Oscar Cluff is leading the NCAAM men's division in double-doubles
• His 17 points and 10 rebounds is his 20th of the season
• Cluff has had eight double-doubles in the past nine games

Australian bigman Oscar Cluff's 17-point, 10-rebound double-double powered the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (19-10) to a crucial conference win against Kansas City Roos (11-18) 70-65 at Frost Arena.

It was Cluff's 20th of the season and eighth in nine games. He now is tied for the most double-doubles in the NCAAM 2024-25 season.

The Sunshine Coast 2.11m centre is quickly making a name for himself, averaging 17.3 points per game, 12.6 rebounds, 2.9 steals, and almost a block per game.

Several of his double-doubles have been monsters too: 30-19 against Denver; 23-19 against Kansas City; 25-15 against Omaha; and 23-15 against North Dakota State.

Key Details

• Result: South Dakota State 70 def. Kansas City 65
• When: 23rd February 2025
• Where: Frost Arena, Brookings, South Dakota

By the Numbers

• Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State) starred with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and one block in 32 minutes.
• Jamar Brown (Kansas City) scored 21 points, and had nine rebounds and three steals in 39 minutes.

What Happened

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits secured a hard-fought 70-65 victory over the Kansas City Roos in a closely contested Summit League matchup.

The game remained tight throughout, with neither team able to pull away decisively. South Dakota State held a slim 34-32 lead at halftime, and managed to maintain their advantage in the second half, outscoring Kansas City 36-33 to seal the five-point win.

The Jackrabbits' victory was built on a balanced offensive attack and strong interior presence. Cluff's double-double performance of 17 points and 10 rebounds was instrumental in South Dakota State's success. Cluff's efficient 7-of-13 shooting from the field and dominant presence on the glass helped the Jackrabbits control the paint throughout the contest.

Kansas City's Jamar Brown put forth a valiant effort in the losing cause, leading all scorers with 21 points on 8-of-19 shooting, including five three-pointers. Brown's scoring outburst kept the Roos within striking distance, but ultimately fell short against the Jackrabbits' more balanced attack.

The game's pivotal moment came with just under four minutes remaining when South Dakota State's Kalen Garry knocked down a crucial three-pointer to extend the Jackrabbits' lead to seven points. This timely shot proved to be the dagger that Kansas City couldn't overcome, despite a late push.

South Dakota State's victory was fuelled by efficient shooting and strong team play. The Jackrabbits shot 45.5% from the field compared to Kansas City's 44.8%, and crucially, connected on 14-of-18 free throws (77.8%). This advantage at the charity stripe proved decisive in a closely fought contest.

Defensively, South Dakota State's ability to force turnovers was a key factor. The Jackrabbits recorded 10 steals as a team, with Cluff leading the way with four. This defensive pressure disrupted Kansas City's offensive rhythm and led to valuable transition opportunities for South Dakota State.

The rebounding battle was won decisively by South Dakota State, who out-rebounded Kansas City 37-29. This advantage on the glass allowed the Jackrabbits to limit second-chance opportunities for the Roos and control the tempo of the game.

For Kansas City, Babacar Diallo provided strong support to Brown's scoring efforts, contributing 18 points and seven assists. However, the Roos' bench was outscored 26-15 by the Jackrabbits' reserves, highlighting South Dakota State's superior depth.

The victory strengthens South Dakota State's position in the Summit League standings, improving their conference record to 10-4 and overall record to 19-10. The win keeps the Jackrabbits firmly in the hunt for a top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. Conversely, the loss drops Kansas City to 3-11 in conference play and 11-18 overall.

South Dakota State's balanced scoring attack was evident throughout the game, with four players reaching double figures. In addition to Cluff's 17 points, Kalen Garry and Jaden Jackson each contributed 11 points, while Stoney Hadnot added 10 off the bench.

The Jackrabbits' ability to take care of the ball was another crucial factor in their victory. South Dakota State committed just 10 turnovers compared to Kansas City's 18, allowing them to maximise their possessions and maintain control of the game's pace.

As the Summit League regular season enters its final stretch, this victory provides South Dakota State with valuable momentum. The Jackrabbits' strong performance against a determined Kansas City side demonstrates their readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in their pursuit of a conference championship and potential NCAA March Madness Tournament berth.