Nate Wolters had a double-double of 32 points and 11 assists to lead South Dakota State to an 82-76 victory over Western Michigan in a season opener Saturday.
Tony Fiegen added 16 points on 8-for-11 shooting for the Jackrabbits.
The Broncos' Matt Stainbrook scored a career-high 32 points, shooting 14 of 16. Demetrius Ward contributed 16 points and Mike Douglas 14.
Both teams made 29 baskets and Western Michigan sank 16 free throws to the Jackrabbits' 15, but the big difference came from 3-point range. South Dakota State shot 9-for-28 from long distance to just 2-for-15 for Western Michigan. Wolters and Brayden Carlson had three 3-pointers apiece.
Buoyed by Stainbrook's 19 first-half points, the Broncos went ahead 34-28 and led 36-35 at intermission.
Western Michigan was up 55-50 before the Jackrabbits forged a 10-run fueled by seven points from Wolters to push ahead 60-55 with 9:42 to play.
