Nebraska Omaha vs South Dakota Prediction 3/6/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The South Dakota Coyotes and the Omaha Mavericks will meet on Friday night in a Summit League matchup at Baxter Arena in Omaha, Nebraska.

South Dakota Coyotes Betting Preview

The South Dakota Coyotes enter Friday evening’s contest with a 16–15 overall record, including an 8–8 mark in conference play and an abysmal 3-10 record on the road. South Dakota has posted wins over South Dakota State, Kansas City, Oral Roberts and Denver, while dropping games to North Dakota, Kansas State and the Wyoming Cowboys.

It should be noted that these two teams met last month. Who prevailed? Ten days ago, the South Dakota Coyotes defeated the Omaha Mavericks 89-72.

The South Dakota Coyotes average 78.5 points on 44.6 percent shooting from the field and 32.4 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Shifting our attention to the defensive side of the basketball, the Coyotes are allowing opponents a dreadful 81.9 points per contest which ranks 338th in the country.

Senior center Cameron Fens leads the South Dakota Coyotes averaging 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game providing consistent interior production, rebounding stability and rim protection. Junior guard Isaac Bruns contributes 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals on 44.7 percent shooting from the field per contest.

Omaha Mavericks Betting Preview

The Omaha Mavericks enter Friday’s contest with a 15–16 overall record, including an 8–8 mark in conference play and a robust 10-4 record at home. Omaha has compiled recent wins over Oral Roberts, Denver, South Dakota State and Kansas City, while dropping games to St. Thomas-Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota State.

The Omaha Mavericks average 74.7 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field and 35.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Mavericks are allowing opponents 78.4 points per contest.   

Senior forward Lance Waddles leads the Omaha Mavericks averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal on 44.6 percent shooting from the field per game. Junior guard Paul Djobet contributes 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

Why the South Dakota Coyotes will win

 •            Confidence. The South Dakota Coyotes defeated the Omaha Mavericks last month.

•             Frontcourt advantage. South Dakota State center Cameron Fens averages 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

•             Offensive edge. The South Dakota Coyotes average 78.5 points on 44.6 percent shooting from the field and 32.4 percent shooting from three-point range per game.

Why the Omaha Mavericks will win

•             Home court advantage. The Omaha Mavericks have amassed a rather impressive 10-4 record at home this season.

•             Backcourt play. Junior guard Paul Djobet contributes 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

South Dakota Coyotes vs. Omaha Mavericks Prediction

This matchup features South Dakota’s recent dominance, offensive firepower, and frontcourt stability against an Omaha team that shoots better and plays more confidently at home. Omaha’s perimeter scoring and home court edge give the Mavericks a legitimate path to keeping this game competitive, but South Dakota’s superior recent form, including an 89–72 win over the Mavericks last month, and more reliable scoring balance make the Coyotes the more trustworthy side to be on in this matchup. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the South Dakota Coyotes plus the 2.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: South Dakota +2.5