A nine-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (10-7, 1-1 Summit) when they go head-to-head with the Western Illinois Leathernecks (4-8, 1-1 Summit) at Frost Arena. Action gets underway at 5:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Jackrabbits beat the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, 96-79, while the Leathernecks got blown out by the North Dakota State Bison, 94-74.
The Jackrabbits, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.517, had an absurd mark of 0.703 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.6 (above their season average of 32.2). Western Illinois, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.0 vs. 11.4). Douglas Wilson fueled South Dakota State with 25 points and 10 rebounds. C.J. Duff played well for Western Illinois, recording 11 points and five rebounds.
The Jackrabbits edged out the Leathernecks in this series last year, emerging victorious in two out of three contests. In the most recent game, Western Illinois won 79-76. Western Illinois had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 15.8). South Dakota State, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.293 vs. 0.222). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The high-powered offense of South Dakota State will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Western Illinois. The Jackrabbits currently rank 71st in offensive efficiency, while the Leathernecks are 322nd in defensive efficiency. The Jackrabbits should have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Leathernecks rank third in turnover percentage (14.5 percent), while the Jackrabbits rank 307th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.6 percent).
Western Illinois Leathernecks at South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – South Dakota State, ATS Winner – South Dakota State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- South Dakota State averages 39.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 57th in the NCAA. Western Illinois ranks 231st in rebounds allowed per game (38.8).
- The Jackrabbits average 13.8 assists per game, which ranks 101st in the NCAA. The Leathernecks rank 107th in assists allowed per game (12.3).
- The Leathernecks rank 25th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Jackrabbits rank 115th (6.8).
- South Dakota State averages 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 126th in the nation. Western Illinois ranks 168th in three pointers allowed per game (23.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Leathernecks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 1.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jackrabbits have scored an average of 80.0 points per game (4.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (5.0 below their season average).
