It will be a battle between Summit opponents when the South Dakota Coyotes (12-4) welcome the Denver Pioneers (6-8) to Sanford Coyote Sports Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
Denver Pioneers vs. South Dakota Coyotes Free Prediction
In the Pioneers’ last outing, they dismantled the Colorado Mesa Mavericks, 106-60. The Pioneers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.7 vs. 5.7) and had a much better turnover percentage (5.7 vs. 21.3). Denver was lifted by Daniel Amigo, who was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
The Coyotes easily got past the Northland LumberJacks in their last outing, 88-42. The Coyotes knocked down 20 of their 24 free throws (83.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.680 (above their season average of 0.542). Matt Mooney was the game’s high scorer with 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
South Dakota should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. South Dakota ranks 46th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.4 percent), while Denver forces the 17th-fewest turnovers (16.1 percent).
Mooney has averaged 19.6 points and 2.4 steals over the last five games for South Dakota.
After the Coyotes won both contests against the Pioneers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, South Dakota won 88-83. The Coyotes’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Pioneers. South Dakota had a rate of 9.6, while Denver posted a mark of 21.5.
Denver Pioneers vs. South Dakota Coyotes Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Denver, ATS Winner – Denver, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Denver ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while South Dakota ranks 150th (33.0).
The Coyotes rank 30th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Pioneers rank 128th (7.0).
South Dakota ranks 211th in three pointers attempted per game (19.3) while Denver ranks 241st (16.9).
The Pioneers rank 91st in assists per game (14.9) while the Coyotes rank 94th in assists allowed per game (11.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Pioneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Coyotes have scored an average of 82.2 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
