The Omaha Mavericks (5-11, 0-1 Summit) can continue a five-game home winning streak when they go head-to-head against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (11-4, 1-0 Summit) at Baxter Arena. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
South Dakota State opened as a 9.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 162 points.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. Omaha Mavericks ATS Prediction
In the Jackrabbits’ last contest, they defeated the North Dakota State Bison, 87-80. The Jackrabbits made 22 of their 25 free throws (88.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 6.8 (better than their season average of 12.8). South Dakota State was lifted by Mike Daum, who was the top scorer from either team with 37 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
The Mavericks dismantled the Doane Tigers in their last outing, 100-60. The Mavericks had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.3 vs. 20.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.672 vs. 0.409). Matt Pile was the game’s high scorer with 18 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
Second-chance points might be scarce for Omaha in this showdown. The Mavericks are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 213th in offensive rebounding percentage at 28.5 percent. Meanwhile, South Dakota State ranks eighth in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 78.0 percent. Furthermore, the Jackrabbits rank 18th in offensive efficiency (119.6), while the Mavericks rank 311th in defensive efficiency (112.5).
Daum has averaged 26.6 points and 9.8 rebounds over the last five games for South Dakota State.
After the Jackrabbits won two out of three matchups against the Mavericks last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, South Dakota State won 79-77. South Dakota State’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Jackrabbits had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. nine), defensive rebounds (28 vs. 16) and total rebounds (44 vs. 25).
South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Omaha Mavericks Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – South Dakota State, ATS Winner – South Dakota State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
South Dakota State averages 26.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 36th in the nation. Omaha ranks 217th in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
The Jackrabbits average 39.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 46th in the NCAA. The Mavericks rank 207th in rebounds allowed per game (37.1).
South Dakota State ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Omaha ranks 140th (5.1).
The Mavericks rank 44th in steals per game (6.8) while the Jackrabbits rank 166th (5.3).
South Dakota State ranks 93rd in assists per game (15.1) while Omaha ranks 197th in assists allowed per game (15.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Jackrabbits’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.8, up from 12.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mavericks have scored an average of 84.2 points per game (6.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.2 points per game (6.3 below their season average).
