The South Dakota Coyotes (9-5) will be at Western Hall to square off against the Western Illinois Leathernecks (3-7) in a Summit matchup. Action gets underway at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
South Dakota Coyotes at Western Illinois Leathernecks ATS Odds
In their last game, the Leathernecks won big over the Holy Family College Lakers, 91-64, while the Coyotes lost a winnable game to the Kansas City Roos, 78-75.
Western Illinois played a flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.1 (better than their season average of 13.7) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.529 (above their season average of 0.503). Holy Family College was 17.6 and 0.385, respectively, for those same stats. South Dakota, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 24.0). Western Illinois rallied around Zion Young, who put up 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Tyler Hagedorn, meanwhile led the way for South Dakota, putting up 29 points and nine rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last matchup, the Coyotes won 80-67. The Coyotes’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Leathernecks. South Dakota had a rate of 9.2, while Western Illinois posted a mark of 18.3. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Western Illinois could put on a ball-control clinic in this showdown. Western Illinois ranks 16th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.0 percent), while South Dakota forces the fifth-fewest turnovers (14.9 percent). Furthermore, the Coyotes’ 40th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 111.4) will try to take advantage of the Leathernecks’ 315th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 106.6).
South Dakota Coyotes vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Western Illinois, ATS Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- South Dakota ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Western Illinois ranks 214th (38.8).
- The Coyotes allow the 47th-fewest blocks per game (2.7) while the Leathernecks rank 56th (2.8).
- The Coyotes rank 47th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while the Leathernecks rank 157th (22.6).
- South Dakota ranks 80th in assists per game (14.2) while Western Illinois ranks 102nd in assists allowed per game (12.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Coyotes have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
- The Leathernecks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, up from 0.5 for the season.
