| MATCHUP | South Dakota State Jackrabbits | Northern Arizona Lumberjacks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 5-4 | 4-3 |
| Where | J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome, Flagstaff, AZ | |
| When | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Walkup Skydome. Here’s a South Dakota State vs Northern Arizona prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best South Dakota State vs Northern Arizona pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Preview
South Dakota State has alternated consecutive wins with consecutive losses through eight games this year. The Jackrabbits started with victories over Merrimack and Dakota State, then fell versus Northern Iowa and Oregon. After wins versus Peru State and Georgia State, South Dakota State has since lost to Utah Valley and UC Irvine. That gives the Jackrabbits a 4-4 record over their first eight outings this year.
In the UC Irvine game last Wednesday, the Jackrabbits came out of the break with a 29-22 deficit. South Dakota State didn’t end up getting any closer on a 35-30 run from there and fell 64-52 in the end. The team’s only double-digit scorer in the loss was Tray Buchanan who put up 12 points and two assists in 17 minutes of work on the floor for the Jackrabbits.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Preview
Over on the Northern Arizona side, they started the year on a shaky run but they’ve been winning lately. The Lumberjacks went 1-2 in their first three outings with a win over Justice College in between losses to Drake and Arizona. Since then it’s been three straight wins over Embry-Riddle AZ, Cal Poly and Southeast Missouri State. Over six games so far that gives Northern Arizona a 4-2 record this season.
Matched up against Southeast Missouri State last week, the Lumberjacks were up by 10 points 39-29 by the break. Northern Arizona was outscored 43-40 the rest of the way in a 79-72 victory. Ryan Abelman put up 20 points with four rebounds and three assists while Zack Davidson turned in 17 points with eight rebounds in 24 minutes of action. Traivar Jackson added 14 points with five rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes of work on the floor during the victory.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits @ Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Trends: December 3, 2025
Why the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks will win
- Northern Arizona has won each of its last 11 games at Joseph C. Rolle Activity Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- South Dakota State has lost seven of its last eight road night games against the Big Sky Conference.
- South Dakota State has lost the first half in each of its last five road night games against the Big Sky Conference.
South Dakota State vs Northern Arizona Prediction
I’ll stay with the Lumberjacks. Northern Arizona did a pretty good job versus Southeast Missouri State in their latest win last week, hitting a nice 52.8 percent from the field and 18-of-25 (72 percent) from the line alongside a 31-27 rebounding edge. The Lumberjacks did get outmuscled in the paint 48-38 but they were able to hang on for the victory in the end. During this current three-game win streak, Northern Arizona has put up 79 or more points in every game. If they can keep that trend going, the Lumberjacks will be in great shape Wednesday.
As for South Dakota State, they’re coming off a listless effort versus UC Irvine. The Jackrabbits shot just 31.7 percent from the field, 17.4 percent (4-of-23) from outside and 10-of-17 (58.8 percent) from the line in that defeat. The 42-32 rebounding deficit and 15 turnovers didn’t help matters, either. The Jackrabbits offense needs a real kick in the pants; they’ve scored just 52 points in each of the last two outings.