For college basketball purists, the idea of expanding the NCAA tournament from 68 to 76 teams might feel like tinkering with perfection. After all, March Madness boasts the most iconic bracket in sports, and adding more teams doesn't always sit well with tradition. But for the South Dakota State women's basketball team, this potential shake-up isn't just a silver lining—it's a game-changer.

The Jackrabbits have been the undisputed powerhouse of the Summit League, winning 13 conference tournament titles and making 14 NCAA appearances since 2009. Their consistency is remarkable, and they've proven they can compete on the big stage, including a Sweet 16 run in 2019. With the tournament projected to add eight more at-large spots, SDSU's path to the Big Dance could get even smoother. If they don't win the conference tournament, their track record—boasting a NET rating of 55 or better in each of the last five seasons, with four top-45 finishes—positions them as strong candidates for one of those additional bids.

Of course, there's a valid concern on the men's side that these extra spots might go to power conference teams with middling records, leaving deserving mid-major squads on the outside looking in. But the SDSU women have consistently stacked wins against top-tier competition, including victories over Creighton, Gonzaga, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Mississippi State, Rutgers, and Louisville in recent years. Their metrics speak for themselves, making them a safer bet for an at-large selection.

This expansion could also benefit the Summit League as a whole. In the past decade, the conference has occasionally been a two-bid league, as seen in 2019 and 2021. North Dakota State was among the first four teams left out this past March, and they would have made the cut in a 76-team field. Likewise, South Dakota boasted top-35 NET rankings from 2020 to 2022, making them an easy at-large choice had they not won the conference tournament. Summit League commissioner Josh Fenton has been a vocal advocate for expansion, citing the financial rewards from NCAA tournament units as a key driver for the change.

While purists may grumble, the expansion could be a boon for programs like SDSU that consistently perform at a high level. For fans of the Jackrabbits, it's another reason to keep an eye on Selection Sunday—and maybe even stock up on some new gear to celebrate their inevitable success.