Juan Pablo Aravena
Despite the difference in the standings nationwide, the game between South Dakota and Providence is expected to be one of the closest in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Friars are coming off first place in the Big East Conference, but the Jackrabbits have 21 straight wins to finish first in the Summit Conference with an 18-0 record in the Conference. A true duel of the Midwest.
Picks and Predictions for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Providence Friars NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 Game on March 17 2022
- Where: KeyBank Center – Buffalo, New York
- When: Thursday, March 17th, 12:40 PM ET
- Betting Line: South Dakota State Jackrabbits (+2.5) vs Providence Friars (-2.5)
South Dakota State Jackrabbits Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 30-4
- Conference Record: 18-0
- Spread: +2.5
- Over/Under: Over 149.5
- Moneyline: +115
While they aren’t favorites heading into this game, their potent offensive game makes them a fearsome foe for Providence. An example of them is that South Dakota averaged 86.7 points per game, the second-highest mark in the nation, so their games are more than entertaining. Although they do not have an above-average defense, their scoring ability took them to the “Big Dance”.
Their main offensive weapon is shooting from three, from where they averaged 44.2%, by far the best percentage in the nation, while four players shoot over 40% from long range. Numbers that men like Douglas Wilson (16.5 points per game and 40 % from deep) and Baylor Scheierman (16.2 PPG and 47.3% from beyond the arc) will have to maintain to shovel their defensive problems.
Providence Friars Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 25-5
- Conference Record: 14-3
- Spread: -2.5
- Over/Under: Over 149.5
- Moneyline: -135
The best season in the history of the Friars needs a good defensive performance to stop the great attack of South Dakota. Something that Providence has done very well in tight games, going 11-2 in wins of five points or less.
For their part, to match some of the rival’s powerful offense, the Friars are experts at getting opponents into foul trouble and punishing from the free-throw line. From that point on the court, they got 21% of their points, the tenth best figure in the championship. The man to watch in Providence is Al Durham, who averaged 13.4 points per game on 87.4% shooting from the free-throw line.
JefeBet Prediction
A very even game where the offense will be key for both teams. Providence is having a dream season, but South Dakota is packed with a scary attack. Go with the Jackrabbits in this one.
