Two Iowa natives will help lead South Dakota State against second seeded Iowa State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday night in Omaha. Former Cedar Rapids Xavier standout Matt Mims is the only player remaining on the South Dakota State team who was recruited by current Cyclone coach T.J. Otzelberger. He coached the Jackrabbits from 2016 to 2019.
Mims on the opportunity to knock his former coach out of the tournament.
With three local teams playing in the evening session on Thursday night the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
Mims is a senior guard who averages just over 17 points per game. Six-eight senior forward Luke Appel is averaging nearly 12 points per game. The Marshalltown native says ISU’s relentless defense will be a challenge.
Appel says limiting mistakes against the Cyclones will be crucial.
For Appel it is a chance to play against the team he grew up cheering for.
South Dakota State is 22-12.
