The South Dakota State Jackrabbits (23-7, 13-2 Summit) welcome the Western Illinois Leathernecks (9-19, 4-11 Summit) to Frost Arena as the regular season comes to an end. The game begins at 5:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at South Dakota State Jackrabbits ATS Odds
In their last game, the Jackrabbits were victorious over the South Dakota Coyotes, 94-89, while the Leathernecks lost big to the Denver Pioneers, 74-46.
South Dakota State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.404 (above their season average of 0.248) and a turnover percentage of 11.6 (better than their season average of 15.0). For those same stats, South Dakota had marks of 0.232 and 18.2, respectively. Western Illinois, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (9-11; 81.8 percent). South Dakota State was led by Tevin King, who finished with 22 points. Zion Young, meanwhile led the way for Western Illinois, finishing with 21 points.
In their first matchup this year, David Jenkins Jr. led the Jackrabbits to a 100-58 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 23 points. South Dakota State’s 0.733 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Western Illinois, who had a rate of 0.362.
South Dakota State should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. South Dakota State ranks 36th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while Western Illinois forces the 22nd-fewest turnovers (15.7 percent). Also, put-back points could be rare for the Leathernecks. They rank 326th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 23.1 percent, while the Jackrabbits are 10th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 77.2 percent).
Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – South Dakota State, ATS Winner – South Dakota State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- South Dakota State averages 38.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 42nd in the country. Western Illinois ranks 250th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
- The Jackrabbits rank 88th in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while the Leathernecks rank 235th (20.3).
- The Jackrabbits rank 56th in assists per game (15.0) while the Leathernecks rank 255th (10.5).
- Western Illinois ranks 36th in blocks per game (4.4) while South Dakota State ranks 213th (1.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Jackrabbits’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, down from 11.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Leathernecks have scored an average of 63.0 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
