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The South Dakota State Jackrabbits are set to face the Providence Friars. Check out our March Madness odds series, which includes our South Dakota State Providence prediction, odds, and pick.
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This is arguably the most fascinating game of the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and March Madness odds analysts would not be in a position to strongly disagree. Colgate-Wisconsin could be interesting, and Memphis-Boise State is certainly an attractive 8-9 game, but this is the game so many people are talking about.
South Dakota State hasn't lost a game since Dec. 15. The Jackrabbits have 30 wins on the season and, like Murray State, did not lose a single conference game all season, either in the regular season or the conference tournament. The Jackrabbits have a high-octane offense with a lot of capable shooters. What also is noteworthy about this team is that even though it hasn't lost a game in three months, it is not as though this team hasn't been tested. Quite the contrary. North Dakota State, the runner-up to South Dakota State in both the regular-season Summit League standings and the conference tournament, played SDSU closely and vigorously in three games. SDSU was simply able to win all three games by a combined total of 14 points. The Jackrabbits are battle-tested; they simply win their battles when they do get roped into a close game. Providence isn't the only team in this game which knows how to win close ones. Keep that in mind when you make a South Dakota State Providence prediction.
Providence, however, is the king of close-game wins. The Friars are 3-0 in overtime and have racked up double-digit wins by six points or fewer this season. When a game is decided by no more than two possessions, the Friars almost always win with their late-game defense, their ability to get to the free throw line, and a collection of clutch players. Providence doesn't have any top-line NBA draft prospects, but coach Ed Cooley has gotten his team to play very cohesive ball at both ends of the floor. It's why Cooley is the favorite for national coach of the year. You have to respect what Providence has done, even though this team doesn't have elite talent. Winning the Big East regular-season championship over Villanova is an enormous feat, and something to think about when making a South Dakota State Providence pick.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the South Dakota State-Providence odds:
March Madness Odds: South Dakota State-Providence Odds
South Dakota State: +2 (-110)
Providence: -2 (-110)
Over: 149 (-110)
Under: 149 (-110)
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Why South Dakota State Could Cover the Spread
The Jackrabbits know how to win and have been tested during their three-month winning streak.
Why Providence Could Cover the Spread
The Friars know how to win and have been tested in Big East play all season long.
Final South Dakota State-Providence Prediction & Pick
Both teams are tested and tough, and have overachieved this season. It's a battle of equals. What tips the scales is simply that Providence has won so many close games that the laws of averages are bound to go the other way. SDSU is good enough to use the laws of averages in its favor.
Final South Dakota State-Providence Pick: South Dakota State +2
