Denver vs South Dakota State Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25

The Denver Pioneers are visiting the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Wednesday, January 1st at the First Bank and Trust Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Denver Pioneers vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits Prediction.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits Preview

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits have a 9-6 record this season and are sitting in the fourth place of the Summit League. South Dakota State is coming off an 82-105 loss to Alabama. The Jackrabbits are 6-6 against the spread, and 6-6 in over/under while having a 6-0 home record this season. 

Offensively, South Dakota State is averaging 77.9 points per game, which ranks 131st in the nation. Defensively, they allow 71.1 points per game (179th). The Jackrabbits shoot 46.6% from the field (122nd) and 34.3% from beyond the arc (164th). The Jackrabbits shoot 76.1% from the free-throw line (56th) and are grabbing 39.2 rebounds per game (60th).

Oscar Cluff leads South Dakota State in scoring with an average of 16.9 points and a team-high 11.2 rebounds, while Joe Sayler adds 12.8 points. South Dakota will face St. Thomas and Omaha following this one.

Denver Pioneers Preview

The Denver Pioneers have a 6-9 record this season and are sitting on the 6th place in the Summit League. Denver is coming off a 75-82 loss to Colorado State. The Pioneers are 6-6 against the spread, and 5-7 in over/under while having a 1-6 road record.

Offensively, Denver is averaging 75.7 points per game, which ranks 187th in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 79 points per game (332nd). The Pioneers shoot 44.6% from the field (215th) and 36.6% from beyond the arc (72nd). The Pioneers shoot with 76.2% from the free throw line (55th), and are grabbing 30.3 rebounds per game (353rd).

Nicholas Shogbonyo leads Denver in scoring this season, with an average of 15.1 points and 4.9 rebounds, while DeAndre Craig adds 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Denver will meet South Dakota after this game.

Why the South Dakota State Jackrabbits will win

• South Dakota State has won each of its last 10 games at First Bank and Trust Arena.
• Denver has lost eight of its last 10 night games against the Summit League.
• Denver has lost the first half in each of its last 10 night games against the Summit League.

Why the Denver Pioneers will win

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

Denver Pioneers vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits Prediction

South Dakota State is 8-2 in their last 10 meetings against Denver but is 4-5-1 against the spread. Over is 3-1 in their last 4 meetings and in their most recent meeting last season, South Dakota State won 76-68 at home. In this Denver Pioneers vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits Prediction, South Dakota State is coming as -15 home favorites. South Dakota State is better both offensively, scoring 2.2 points more than Denver, and defensively, allowing 7.9 points less. The Jackrabbits are winning by an average of 0.8 points this season, while the Pioneers are losing by 2.3 points. South Dakota State has been undefeated at home this season, while on the other hand, Denver is struggling on the road, having won only once in their 7 road games. I expect the hosts to take care of business in this game, so take the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and lay the points at home.