South Dakota State vs Kansas State Prediction 11/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

South Dakota State vs Kansas State Prediction

I understand Kansas State is getting respect from oddsmakers because of the name brand and home court. Awesome. The problem is South Dakota State has chemistry on its side with more returning production, isn’t breaking in a new coaching staff, and will have the best player on the floor. This line is simply disrespectful toward South Dakota State, who will be in the thick of the Summit this season.

I’m not ready to say South Dakota State will win this game outright, but I do expect a well-played game that could be decided in the final five minutes. It doesn’t make sense that the Jackrabbits are getting all of these points other than Big 12 vs. mid-major. Give me the points.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Preview

South Dakota State won 14 games last season and enters year two under coach Bryan Petersen. South Dakota State has made the big dance five times since the 2015-16 season.

The Jackrabbits have the Summit League Player of the Year in Joe Sayler and a talented guard in Kalen Garry. Alec Squires is a quality big man who showed flashes in 15 minutes per game last season. Jesse Van Kalsbeek is the major addition to this core. We’ll see if SDSU has the depth to win the Summit, but there’s no doubt the talent is there for an improved season. Sayler alone gives the Jackrabbits a fighting chance night to night as he’s a quality scorer with playmaking ability. South Dakota State is a team worth keeping an eye on this season.

Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview

Kansas State won 12 games last season and enters the Casey Alexander era. Kansas State hasn’t made the big dance since the 2022-23 season.

Andrej Kostic is the only noteworthy returner for KSU, a second-year guard who played in 14 minutes per game last season. The Wildcats hit the portal, which includes Brandon Rechsteiner from Colorado State, Isaiah Abraham from Georgetown, and Jaden Schutt from Virginia Tech. Kansas State has a brand new roster and coaching staff, so there’s no doubt there’s going to be growing pains. However, KSU also has some decent transfers coming over, so there’s potential with this group. Not win the Big 12 potential but it should be able to top the 12 wins from last season. Baby steps in Manhattan. Baby steps.

Why the Kansas State Wildcats will win

• South Dakota State has lost each of its last five games against the Big 12 Conference.
• Kansas State has won 27 of its last 31 games against non-Conference opponents at Fred Bramlage Coliseum.
• South Dakota State has lost the first half in each of its last five games against the Big 12 Conference.

Why the South Dakota State Jackrabbits will win

• Kansas State has lost 12 of its last 16 night games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of South Dakota State’s last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
• Ten of Kansas State’s last 11 home night games against the Summit League have produced a total of 159 or fewer points.

Randy Chambers's Pick: South Dakota State +11.5