Junior Kerri Young’s 3-pointer in the closing minutes helped the South Dakota State women’s basketball team defeat Pittsburgh, 55-54, in its opening round game of the Paradise Jam at the University of the Virgin Islands.

With the Jackrabbits (3-1) trailing 54-52, Young (Mitchell) sank the third of her three 3-pointers from the left wing to put SDSU up 55-54 with 2:06 to play. After missed baskets by both teams, a runner in the lay by Pittsburgh was short and senior Gabrielle Boever (Worthington, Minn.) secured the rebound for the win.

Young finished with a game-high 15 points, including three 3-pointers and 3 assists. Sophomore Macy Miller (Mitchell) added 13 points and 3 steals while classmate Ellie Thompson (Chaska, Minn.) recorded 11 points and 7 rebounds. Junior Clarissa Ober (Glencoe, Minn.) had six points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots.

Pittsburgh (3-1) was paced by Stasha Carey and Aysia Bugg with 15 points each.