The South Dakota State Jackrabbits (10-5) will be at Western Hall to challenge the Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-8) in a Summit matchup. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, December 28, 2018.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Odds
In their last game, the Leathernecks lost to the Creighton Bluejays, 78-67, while the Jackrabbits defeated the Grand Canyon Antelopes, 79-74.
South Dakota State played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.9 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.543. Grand Canyon was 27.7 and 0.407, respectively, for those same stats. Western Illinois, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 14.3). Western Illinois’ Kobe Webster led the way, recording 24 points and 10 rebounds. South Dakota State, meanwhile, received a boost from Mike Daum, who had 20 points and 13 rebounds.
The Jackrabbits dominated this series last year, winning all three contests. In the most recent game, South Dakota State won 66-60. Getting to the free throw line was one of South Dakota State’s biggest advantages. They made 25 trips to the line, while Western Illinois went just 10 times. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The Jackrabbits’ Daum has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Webster has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Leathernecks.
Second-chance opportunities could be few and far between for Western Illinois in this meeting. The Leathernecks are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 302nd in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.8 percent. Meanwhile, South Dakota State ranks 27th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.7 percent. Also, the Jackrabbits, who rank 47th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.288), will clash against the Leathernecks, who rank 28th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.172).
South Dakota State vs. Western Illinois Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Western Illinois, ATS Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- South Dakota State ranks 47th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Western Illinois ranks 196th in rebounds allowed per game (38.0).
- The Leathernecks rank 28th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Jackrabbits rank 157th (2.0).
- Western Illinois ranks 144th in three pointers allowed per game (23.3) while South Dakota State ranks 244th (31.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Jackrabbits have scored an average of 80.2 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
- The Leathernecks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 3.8 for the season.
