SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- While Oakland University did not wilt under the pressure of playing the two-time defending champions in their home state Tuesday, it also couldn't replicate its semifinal magic.
The Golden Grizzlies were denied a return to the NCAA tournament for the first time in five years, losing, 61-54, to South Dakota State in the Summit League women's title game before 4,701 at the Sioux Falls Arena.
Despite trailing for the final 30 minutes, Oakland (20-12) was within three with 2 minutes left but didn't score again.
The third-seeded Jackrabbits (19-13) have won three straight Summit titles -- a league first -- and two of those championships have come against OU.
"We're proud of how far we came," said Oakland sophomore forward Bethany Watterworth, who scored 17 points, "but we're very disappointed."
Kristin Rotert scored 17 points for the Jacks, who were just slightly better on both ends of the floor in defeating the Summit League's best defensive team in points allowed and defensive field-goal percentage.
Freshman Zakiya Minifee had 10 points and 10 rebounds, and sophomore Sharise Calhoun scored 12 points for the fourth-seeded Grizzlies, who scored 96 points in a semifinal rout of regular-season champ Oral Roberts. OU returns four starters next season.
"It's really hard to beat a returning champ who has confidence," Oakland coach Beckie Francis said of South Dakota State. "They were down, they struggled a bit at times this year, and I think they draw from the crowd and their confidence."
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