The South Dakota State Jackrabbits (6-3) will be at home in Frost Arena when they meet the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (4-5). South Dakota State is a 10.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 161 points. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN Full Court.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits Free Preview
The last time the Fighting Hawks played, they were beaten by the North Dakota State Bison, 88-79. North Dakota’s Geno Crandall put up 20 points, five rebounds and five steals in the game. North Dakota State had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (above their season average of 19.5). North Dakota, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (29-34; 85.3 percent).
The Jackrabbits will look to maintain momentum after blowing out the Concordia (NE) Bulldogs in their last game, 103-67. South Dakota State rallied around Skyler Flatten, who put up 18 points. South Dakota State played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.176 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 10.8 (better than their season average of 13.5). Concordia (NE) was 0.068 and 24.8, respectively, for those same stats.
South Dakota State should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Jackrabbits rank 67th in offensive efficiency, while the Fighting Hawks rank 258th in defensive efficiency dating back to the 2016-17 season. Moreover, the Fighting Hawks rank 38th in turnover percentage (17.5 percent), while the Jackrabbits rank 323rd in opponents turnover percentage (16.3 percent).
Both of these teams tend to finish over the O/U total. North Dakota games have gone over 100.0 percent of the time, while 62.5 percent of games featuring South Dakota State have finished over. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Jackrabbits have a clear advantage. They are 6-3 SU and 5-3 ATS, while the Fighting Hawks are 4-5 SU and 2-4 ATS.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – South Dakota State, ATS Winner – North Dakota, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Jackrabbits average 13.7 assists per game, which ranks 137th in the NCAA. The Fighting Hawks rank 161st in assists allowed per game (12.1).
- North Dakota ranks 68th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while South Dakota State ranks 246th (28.0).
- The Fighting Hawks rank 15th in steals per game (8.1) while the Jackrabbits rank 192nd (5.0).
- South Dakota State ranks 117th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4) while North Dakota ranks 248th (36.0).
