BROOKINGS, SD - DECEMBER 28: Reed Tellinghuisen #23 from South Dakota State takes the ball to the basket against Khy Kabellis #13 from North Dakota State during their game Wednesday night at Frost Arena in Brookings. (Dave Eggen/Inertia)

BROOKINGS, S.D. — When his playing days are over, Reed Tellinghuisen will have several memorable moments to look back on and cherish.

One of those took place this past Tuesday night, when Tellinghuisen and South Dakota State clinched a third consecutive spot in the NCAA Tournament by capturing the Summit League Tournament title.

The Jackrabbits, who will find out their destination on Sunday night, topped South Dakota, 97-87, adding the tourney crown to their regular season championship.

For Tellinghuisen, there was nothing quite like celebrating on the court inside the Denny Sanford Premier Center that evening.

“The last minute or so took forever,” said the former East Sac County all-stater. “I was just so excited for that buzzer to ring and for the court storming to being. Celebrating with all my teammates and fellow Jackrabbits is something I will cherish forever.”

Tellinghuisen, a senior and four-year starter for SDSU, recorded his second double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. That included three 3-pointers and a 7 of 10 performance at the free throw line.

During the contest, Tellinghuisen became the school’s career leader in made triples, breaking Clint Sargent’s mark of 252. He’ll enter his next game with 254 made three-pointers.

South Dakota State was a No. 12 seed two years ago, pushing Maryland to the very end before falling, 79-74. Last season they were matched up with No. 1 seed Gonzaga, falling 66-46.

“It’s just an awesome feeling,” Tellinghuisen said. “I was so proud and happy for my teammates, coaching staff and the entire Jackrabbit nation. Getting to experience not only one, but three, NCAA Tournaments is unbelievable.

“There aren’t many college basketball players who get to do that no matter where you go.”

Despite being in control for much of the game vs. the Coyotes, South Dakota State did face some adversity. Star player Mike Daum battled foul trouble, forcing Tellinghuisen, David Jenkins, Jr. and Brandon Key to shoulder more of the offensive load.

Tellinghuisen, though, capped off a run with a big bucket, forcing a South Dakota timeout and allowing him to release some built-up emotions.

“Mike was out and we made a big run with him on the bench,” Tellinghuisen said. “There were a lot of things going our way and knowing that we were getting both Mike and Tevin King back and surviving with them being in foul trouble was obviously huge.

“It just felt like it was our night during that stretch.”

Tellinghuisen earned honorable mention all-Summit League this season, averaging 12.2 points per game and almost five rebounds. He also set a new school-record for most starts made with 125 in his career, which includes every game each of the past three seasons.

South Dakota State is currently 28-6 overall and riding an 11-game win streak. They earned wins over Iowa, Mid-American Conference champion Buffalo and Ole Miss, with close losses to Wichita State and Colorado on the road.

They went 19-1 over the last 20 games, with the lone loss coming to South Dakota, which they avenged twice.

TELLINGHUISEN FILE

2017-18 Season Highs

Points 24 (vs. Oral Roberts)

Minutes 43 (vs. Colorado)

Field Goals Made 9 (vs. Oral Roberts)

3-Point Field Goals Made 5 (vs. Ole Miss)

Free Throws Made 7 (vs. South Dakota)

Rebounds 11 (vs. South Dakota)

Assists 4 (vs. Presentation)

Blocks 3 (vs. Western Illinois)

Steals 2 (vs. Western Illinois)