When South Dakota and South Dakota State lock horns in hoops, it is always a big deal. But this weekend's tilts are seeping with late-season storylines and drama.

Both men's teams are red hot coming into their showdown in Vermillion. The Jacks have won seven of their last eight while the Yotes have won five or their last six. USD is 12-1 at home and a victory over SDSU would tie the two squads would tie for third in the standings, with both still having a shot to capture the regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the tournament.

The women's game in Brookings isn't expected to be as much of a toss-up because the Jackrabbits have won 59 regular season conference games in a row, while the Coyotes are 5-7 in league play. But that doesn't mean it won't be a grand spectacle, with Summit League's best player wearing red (or black). Amazing Grace Larkins is third in the nation in scoring at 25 points per game and gunning for a Summit League "triple crown" — topping the conference in scoring, rebounding, and assists.

John explains more reason why these games should be special, and why it is already a special season for both the SDSU and USD men in their own ways — particularly the Jackrabbits, who don't just have the usual sun shining on them and wind at their backs, as it always seems.

Then, a conversation with Jay Elsen, who has been calling play-by-play for Summit League games for 15 years and is now the man behind the microphone for both South Dakota institutions after 14 years of being solely the Coyotes voice. He talks about the changed dynamic and barrels into breakdowns of all four programs and both games' matchups.