Basketball returns to Sanford Pentagon with elite competitions

This paid piece is sponsored by Sanford Health.

Elite basketball teams have returned to the Sanford Pentagon.

The Mammoth Sports Construction Invitational featured four elite women’s college basketball teams at a one-day doubleheader event Nov. 12. Four Division I men’s college basketball teams will compete in the 2021 Mammoth Sports Construction Crossover Classic, a round-robin event at the Sanford Pentagon, Nov. 22-24.

Women’s hoops matchup

The Mammoth Sports Construction Invitational at the Sanford Pentagon included Arizona vs. Louisville and South Carolina vs. South Dakota.

All four teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2021 with Arizona and South Carolina reaching the Final Four. The Associated Press pre-season rankings for the 2021-22 season have South Carolina at No. 1, Louisville at No. 6, Arizona at No. 22 and South Dakota receiving votes.

“These are not just four great teams – this doubleheader could essentially be a preview of the programs that will make a deep run in the 2022 NCAA Tournament,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of operations at the Sanford Sports Complex. “We’re thrilled to see these incredible programs play on Heritage Court and build on our resume of hosting the most talented teams and players in the country.”

Crossover Classic returns

This year’s field includes South Dakota State University, the University of Washington, the University of Nevada and George Mason University. The four teams have a combined 37 NCAA Tournament appearances and 10 trips to the Sweet 16. All four programs finished in the Top 150 in KenPom rankings last year, a statistical category based off the differential between a team’s offensive and defensive ratings.

The schedule is:
• Nov. 22: Nevada vs. SDSU, 6 p.m.; George Mason vs. Washington, 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 23: George Mason vs. Nevada, 6 p.m.; SDSU vs. Washington, 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 24: Washington vs. Nevada, 6 p.m.; George Mason vs. SDSU, 8:30 p.m.

“All four of the teams in this field have competed on the NCAA’s biggest stage, and we look forward to having them begin their seasons on Heritage Court,” Smith said. “With the addition of fans to this year’s event, the Crossover Classic will reach a new level of excitement and an even better atmosphere for the teams.”

“The Sanford Pentagon is a first-class facility, and we are thrilled to bring elite college basketball back to Sioux Falls,” added Lea Miller-Tooley, tournament director. “The Crossover Classic will be a tremendous opportunity for the student-athletes to showcase their talents on the court while experiencing incredible hospitality from the staff at Sanford Health.”

George Mason made a memorable run to the NCAA Final Four in 2006, knocking off perennial powerhouse programs Michigan State, North Carolina and Connecticut. First-year head coach Kim English recently served as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee.

“Our guys are looking forward to playing at the Sanford Pentagon, one of the country’s best and most unique basketball venues,” English said. “I have always admired the work of Complete Sports Management. They annually run some of the best and most well-respected events in the nation. This tournament presents an exciting challenge to compete against three outstanding programs and will be a formidable early season test for our team.”

South Dakota State returns to the Crossover Classic for a second straight year. Head coach Eric Henderson, who guided SDSU to the Summit League regular season co-title in 2020-21, brings back a loaded roster with Douglas Wilson, Baylor Scheierman and Matt Dentlinger.

“We are pleased to partner with Complete Sports Management and Sanford Health in what will be another fabulous event. To compete against three quality teams with outstanding traditions is a great opportunity,” Henderson said. “The Sanford Pentagon is one of the most prestigious venues in the country. To play three games in Sioux Falls with our fans going crazy will be an incredible experience.”