The Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball team found out which team it will play Monday night, as the fifth-seeded IPFW Mastodons knocked off fourth-seeded South Dakota State, 71-66, in front of a crowd of several thousand locals cheering for the Jackrabbits.

Oakland University will take on IPFW in the first game of the men’s semi-finals at 7 p.m. et Monday night at the Summit League Tournament.

In the other semi-finals matchup, No. 2 IUPUI will square off against No. 3 Oral Roberts, who survived an upset scare as North Dakota State furiously rallied to force overtime. ORU prevailed 65-64.

The Jaguars and Golden Eagles will tip off following the OU game at approximately 9:30 p.m. et.

Soundbites from Day Two of the Summit League Tournamet:

Johnathon Jones, Golden Grizzlies senior point guard on Monday’s matchup vs. IPFW

“Last time it was close. It got close at the end. If we keep (Keith) Benson out of foul trouble, because he had 32 points (Feb. 27) and really dominated the ball in the paint. We know that we’ll have to go inside-out and really establish our presence inside … Having this day off really helped us. We had some people banged up and they got rested. I remember last year playing three games in a row we got tired toward the second half (of the championship game). We’ll keep throwing fresh bodies at (IPFW) and hope they wear down.”

Scott Nagy, South Dakota State head coach following his team’s loss to IPFW

“Oakland will benefit from this game because these two teams just beat each other up.”

Dane Fife, IPFW head coach regarding Monday’s matchup with Oakland

“We can’t beat Oakland if we make mistakes. We have to play mistake-free basketball. (My players) know there is no such thing as being tired as an excuse. Our guys will compete and that’s really what I can say for tomorrow.

Look for a preview of the Oakland – IPFW game to be posted shortly.