The South Dakota State Jackrabbits (27-6, 15-1 Summit) meet the South Dakota Coyotes (26-7, 13-3 Summit) in the Summit League Conference Tourney at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
South Dakota Coyotes vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits Free Prediction
In the Coyotes’ last outing, they dismantled the Denver Pioneers, 76-58. The Coyotes had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.600 (above their season average of 0.538), while the Pioneers had a free throw rate of 0.164 (below their season average of 0.224). South Dakota was lifted by Matt Mooney, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
The Jackrabbits dismantled the North Dakota State Bison in their last matchup, 78-57. The Jackrabbits held the Bison to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.1 (below their season average of 23.4) and had a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 12.5). With 19 points and 11 rebounds, South Dakota State’s Mike Daum played well.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of South Dakota State takes on the top-notch defense of South Dakota. The Jackrabbits rank 12th in offensive efficiency, while the Coyotes are 10th in defensive efficiency. Ball security should be an advantage for the Coyotes. They rank 28th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent), while the Jackrabbits force the fourth-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.9 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Mooney (21.4 points and 1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Coyotes while Daum (28.2 points and 12.8 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Jackrabbits.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Jackrabbits won the most recent matchup 76-72. The Jackrabbits had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 22.2) and had a better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.148). Mooney scored a game-high 33 points.
South Dakota Coyotes vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – South Dakota State, ATS Winner – South Dakota State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
South Dakota State ranks 33rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.3) while South Dakota ranks 249th (18.8).
The Coyotes average 37.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 70th in the nation. The Jackrabbits rank 163rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.0).
South Dakota State ranks 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while South Dakota ranks 97th (3.2).
The Coyotes are 31st in the nation with 11.2 assists allowed per game while the Jackrabbits are 51st with 11.7 assists allowed per game.
South Dakota State is 12th in the nation with 4.8 steals allowed per game while South Dakota is 24th with 5.0 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Coyotes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, down from 13.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jackrabbits have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
