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| MATCHUP | Valparaiso Beacons | South Dakota State Jackrabbits |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-0 | 2-0 |
| Spread | -1.5 102 | +1.5 -122 |
| Moneyline | -110 | -110 |
| Total | Over 142.5 (-115) | Under 142.5 (-105) |
| Where | First Bank & Trust Arena, Brookings, SD | |
| When | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | Summit League Network | |
The Valparaiso Beacons and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits will meet Thursday night in a non-conference college basketball matchup at Frost Arena in Brookings, South Dakota. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.
Valparaiso Beacons vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Valparaiso Beacons. Why? While South Dakota State enters the contest with a perfect 2-0 record, the Jackrabbits have not been nearly as explosive offensively as Valparaiso through the opening week of the season.
The Beacons have also opened the year at 2-0 and are coming off one of the more impressive results of the young season, an 83-80 overtime victory over the Purdue Boilermakers last week. Through two games, Valparaiso is averaging 81.5 points per game, which ranks 112th nationally, while allowing 69 points per contest.
Meanwhile, South Dakota State is averaging just 68 points per game, ranking 240th nationally. The Jackrabbits have been solid defensively, allowing 66 points per game.
South Dakota State’s home court advantage is certainly worth noting, and the Jackrabbits looked sharp in a 71-49 victory over Briar Cliff four days ago. However, Valparaiso’s offensive upside and confidence following the Purdue win make the Beacons appealing, especially if they are receiving points. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Valparaiso Beacons to cover the 1.5 points in this game.
Valparaiso Beacons Betting Preview
The Valparaiso Beacons enter Thursday night’s contest with a 2-0 overall record, including a 1-0 home record and a 1-0 road record. The Beacons have already secured one of the more notable victories of the early season, defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 83-80 in overtime. That win should provide the Beacons considerable confidence entering this matchup. Looking ahead, Valparaiso has upcoming games with Troy, Southern Miss, Toledo and Evansville.
How are the Beacons performing from a team data perspective? In two games this season, the Valparaiso Beacons are averaging 81.5 points per game which ranks 112th in the nation, while allowing 69 points per contest. Of the two teams in this matchup, Valparaiso has been the superior offensive unit through the first week of the season.
Sophomore guard Rakim Chaney has been the focal point of the Beacons offense in 2026, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists on 58.6 percent shooting from the field per game.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Preview
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits enter Thursday night’s matchup with a perfect 2-0 overall record, including a 1-0 home record and a 1-0 road record. South Dakota State most recently defeated Briar Cliff 71-49 and has relied on defense to fuel its undefeated start. It is noteworthy that the Jackrabbits have not yet begun Summit League play.
Through two games this season, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits are averaging 68 points per game, which ranks 240th nationally, while allowing only 66 points per contest, ranking 74th nationally. What did we learn from the data just presented? South Dakota State has been strong defensively but has yet to demonstrate the offensive firepower exhibited by Valparaiso.
Freshman forward Davis Kern has been a key contributor for South Dakota State averaging 17 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 block and 2 steals on 45.5 percent shooting from the field per game.
Why the Valparaiso Beacons Will Win
• Undefeated start. Valparaiso enters the game with a 2-0 win-loss record.
• Signature victory. The Beacons defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 83-80 in overtime.
• Offensive production. The Valparaiso Beacons are averaging 81.5 points per game.
• Quality guard play. Sophomore guard Rakim Chaney has averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists on 58.6 percent shooting from the field per game.
Why the South Dakota State Jackrabbits Will Win
• Home court advantage. The Jackrabbits are playing at Frost Arena.
• Defensive consistency. South Dakota State is allowing only 66 points per game.
• Momentum. The Jackrabbits are coming off a 71-49 victory over Briar Cliff.
• Undefeated record. South Dakota State enters the matchup at 2-0.
• Defensive edge. The Jackrabbits have been more efficient defensively than Valparaiso through two games.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Valparaiso -1.5
