South Dakota to face Utah Tech in men’s basketball at the Sanford Pentagon
Posted: July 7, 2026
The University of South Dakota will face Utah Tech University in a men’s basketball matchup at the Sanford Pentagon on Sunday, November 22. Game time, broadcast information, and ticket sales will be finalized at a later date.
“We’re grateful to have another excellent mid-major matchup here at the Sanford Pentagon,” said Jesse Smith, Sanford Sports vice president. “South Dakota always has tremendous fan support here in Sioux Falls and we can’t wait to welcome Utah Tech and its fanbase to the Pentagon for the first time.”
South Dakota will be participating in its 14th game all-time at the Sanford Pentagon and first since 2023. The Coyotes are led by 5th-year head coach Eric Peterson, who’s helped USD finish .500 or better each of the last two seasons.
“We are excited to get back to the Pentagon in Sioux Falls,” Peterson said. “It’s one of the premier venues in college basketball and we are fortunate it’s in our back yard. Our program has had nothing but positive experiences there and we look forward to a great opponent in Utah Tech.”
The Trailblazers officially joined Division I in 2020 as members of the Western Athletic Conference and recently transitioned to the Big Sky Conference on July 1. Head coach Jon Judkins is in his 22nd year at the helm of the Trailblazers and was named the 2025-26 WAC Coach of the Year after leading Utah Tech to a 19-15 record, their best since joining the D-I ranks.
“We’re excited to be part of this event and to face a very good South Dakota team,” Judkins said.
This will be the 3rd all-time meeting between the Trailblazers and Coyotes, with Utah Tech winning the previous two matchups: a 92-87 victory in St. George, UT on Dec. 19, 2024, and an 81-79 overtime victory in Vermillion, SD on Nov. 3, 2025.
