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| MATCHUP | South Dakota State Jackrabbits | Northern Colorado Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 3-0 | 2-1 |
| Where | Bank of Colorado Arena, Greeley, CO | |
| When | Saturday, November 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EST | |
| TV | Midco Sports Plus | |
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the Northern Colorado Bears will meet Saturday afternoon in a non-conference college basketball matchup at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colorado. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.
South Dakota State vs. Northern Colorado Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the South Dakota State Jackrabbits to cover the number (3.5). Why? While both teams enter the contest with identical win-loss records, South Dakota State has compiled the stronger resume.
The Jackrabbits enter with a 2-1 record, highlighted by victories over Briar Cliff and Valparaiso. Their lone defeat came against the Kansas State Wildcats, a respectable loss against quality competition. Meanwhile, Northern Colorado has posted a 2-1 record, defeating Colorado College and Northern New Mexico while losing to Arizona State.
The biggest concern for both teams has been defense. South Dakota State is averaging 74.5 points per game while allowing 92 points per contest, which ranks 332nd nationally. However, Northern Colorado has been nearly as poor defensively, allowing 90 points per game, which ranks 324th nationally.
What separates these teams is offensive execution. South Dakota State is averaging 74.5 points per game, while Northern Colorado is averaging only 63 points per contest, ranking 302nd nationally. I also trust South Dakota State’s schedule more. Victories over Briar Cliff and Valparaiso, combined with a competitive loss to Kansas State, suggest the Jackrabbits are more battle tested unit entering this contest. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the South Dakota State Jackrabbits to cover the 3.5 points in this game.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Preview
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits enter Saturday afternoon’s contest with a 2-1 overall record (2-0 home record, 0-1 mark on the road). The Jackrabbits opened the season with victories over Briar Cliff and Valparaiso before suffering a loss to the Kansas State Wildcats.
How have the Jackrabbits performed from a team data perspective in 2026. In three games played this season, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits are averaging 74.5 points per game, which ranks 184th nationally, while allowing 92.0 points per contest, which ranks 332nd nationally. South Dakota State has shown the ability to score, but defensive consistency remains a significant concern.
Talented forward Jon Mekonnen has been a key contributor for South Dakota State this season, averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3 steals on 59.4 percent shooting from the field per game.
Northern Colorado Bears Betting Preview
The Northern Colorado Bears enter Saturday afternoon’s matchup with a 2-1 overall record (2-0 home record, 0-1 mark on the road). The Bears have tallied victories over Colorado College and Northern New Mexico, while their losing to the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Through three games this season, the Northern Colorado Bears are averaging just 63 points per game which ranks 302nd in the country, while allowing a massive 90 points per contest which ranks an abysmal 324th nationally. What did we learn from the data just presented? Northern Colorado has struggled on both ends of the floor and will need substantially improved offensive production to keep pace with South Dakota State.
Looking ahead, the Northern Colorado Bears have upcoming games scheduled with BYU, San Diego and the Eastern Washington Eagles.
Why South Dakota State Will Win
• Offensive advantage. South Dakota State is averaging 74.5 points per game compared to Northern Colorado’s 63 points per contest.
• Better resume. The Jackrabbits own wins over Briar Cliff and Valparaiso.
• Battle tested. South Dakota State has already faced Kansas State.
• Scoring consistency. The Jackrabbits have shown a more reliable offense through three games.
Why Northern Colorado Will Win
• Home court advantage. The Bears have played exceptional basketball at home, amassing a 2-0 win-loss record at Bank of Colorado Arena.
• Current form. Northern Colorado has won two of the team’s first three games of the 2026 campaign.
Hans Geevers's Pick: South Dakota State -3.5
