SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Tony Osburn delivered an impressive performance by scoring 30 points, leading top-seeded Omaha to a decisive 100-75 victory over No. 5 seed South Dakota in the Summit League Tournament semifinals on Saturday night.
Omaha, boasting a 21-12 record, is set to compete in the championship game on Sunday against St. Thomas. This marks the Mavericks’ third appearance at this level, and they’ve secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament bid, attributed to St. Thomas’s current postseason ineligibility as they transition from Division III.
Osburn’s outstanding shooting form was evident as he hit 9 of 11 shots, including an astonishing 8 for 9 from three-point range, and he was flawless from the free-throw line, sinking all four attempts. Marquel Sutton contributed 19 points along with eight rebounds, while JJ White added 14 points and six assists to the team’s tally.
For South Dakota, who finished the season with a 19-14 record, Chase Forte emerged as the leading scorer with 24 points and three steals. Kaleb Stewart chipped in with 13 points, and Paul Bruns posted a solid performance with 10 points and seven rebounds.
The game unfolded with Omaha taking control early, establishing a 55-26 lead by halftime, with Osburn accounting for 18 of those points. The Mavericks continued their dominance into the second half, kickstarting with an 8-0 run to widen the gap to 37 points.
