BROOKINGS, S.D.—Kai Williams had 25 points and 10 rebounds and Ben Beran added 12 points to lead South Dakota State to a 56-52 men’s basketball win over Denver on Tuesday.
Williams was 8-for-14 from the field for the Jackrabbits (5-6), who have won two straight games after dropping four in a row. Williams made five of seven 3-pointers.
SDSU had four 3-pointers and shot 52 percent from the field to grab a 30-26 lead at the break.
The Jackrabbits used the free throw line to help build an eight-point lead early in the second half and maintain it down the stretch. SDSU was 14-for-21 from the line, while Denver made just four of eight foul shots.
SDSU also had a 31-19 rebounding advantage.
The Pioneers (3-6), whose largest lead was two points early in the first half, shot 44 percent in the first half and 45 percent overall. But they went to the free throw line only three times in the second half.
Joe Jackson scored 15 points, including three 3-pointers, to lead the Pioneers.
Rob Lewis had 14 points and David Kummer added 10 points and five steals.
