Denver vs South Dakota State Prediction 1/8/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Denver vs South Dakota State prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 8th at First Bank & Trust Arena in Brookings, South Dakota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Denver Pioneers Betting Preview

The Denver Pioneers are 8-9 (1-1) this season after they lost to St. Thomas by a score of 92-88 in their last game. Denver trailed 43-37 at halftime, but did score 51 points in the second half in the loss. The Pioneers shot 49% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 87% on free throws in the game. Zane Nelson led Denver with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Jeremiah Burke added 19 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Denver defeated Kansas City by a score of 87-74, but lost to Tulsa by a score of 90-85 before that. The Pioneers have scored 84.5 points per game with 33.1 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 85.0 points against per game this season. Carson Johnson is averaging 17.6 points and 2.4 assists per game, while Jeremiah Burke is averaging 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Pioneers. Denver is shooting 49.0% from the field, 77.5% on free throws, and 38.4% on three pointers this season. 

South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Preview

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits are 8-9 (1-1) this year after they lost to North Dakota in overtime by a score of 90-87 in their last game. South Dakota State trailed 50-45 at halftime, but they held ND to just 29 points in the second half, before losing in overtime. The Jackrabbits shot 48% from the field, 42% on three pointers, and 78% on free throws in the game. Joe Sayler led SDSU with 27 points and five rebounds, while Jaden Jackson added 22 points and six rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, South Dakota State defeated Omaha by a score of 84-69, but lost to Arizona by a score of 99-71 before that. The Jackrabbits have scored 76.0 points per game with 37.5 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 72.0 points against per game this season. Jaden Jackson is averaging 13.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while Damon Wilkinson is averaging 12.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Jackrabbits. South Dakota State is shooting 45.6% from the field, 69.5% on free throws, and 34.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the South Dakota State Jackrabbits will win

• South Dakota State has won each of its last 10 Thursday games.
• Denver has lost five of its last six road games.
• Denver has lost the first half in each of its last four games at First Bank and Trust Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Denver Pioneers will win

• Denver has won each of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• South Dakota State has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• South Dakota State has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Fourteen of South Dakota State’s last 15 night games have produced a total of 163 or fewer points.
• Nine of Denver’s last 10 night games against the Summit League have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.

Denver vs South Dakota State Prediction 

Denver comes into this matchup after losing two of their last three games, but they have scored at least 85 points in five straight games. The Pioneers play no defense, but they are shooting 49% from the field and they score a bunch of points. South Dakota State has lost four of their last five games and they have allowed at least 87 points in all four of those losses. The Jackrabbits are shooting 46% from the field and they should find plenty of open looks in this one. Take the over here.

David Racey's Pick: Over 163.5