The St. Thomas-MN Tommies and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits meet Monday in Summit League Tournament college basketball action from Denny Sanford Premier Center. Let’s get into our St. Thomas-MN vs South Dakota State prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
St. Thomas-MN Tommies
The Tommies got off to a very nice 12-5 start over their first 17 games this year, but would then hit a rough 5-7 run over the next 12 outings. St. Thomas-MN would right the ship with consecutive wins over Omaha and Denver, then took out North Dakota State in tournament action this past weekend.
In their Sunday tournament game versus North Dakota State, the Tommies came out of the locker room with a dominant 42-22 advantage. St. Thomas-MN was outscored 36-26 the rest of the way but still won 68-58. Kendall Blue topped the team on his 15 points with two rebounds in the victory.
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South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Over on the Jackrabbits’ side, they came into February with a tepid 12-11 overall record. South Dakota State has since gone 8-1, however. Those wins came versus South Dakota, Oral Roberts, Omaha, Denver, St. Thomas-MN, North Dakota, North Dakota State and Oral Roberts.
In the Oral Roberts rematch on Saturday, the Jackrabbits went into halftime sporting a 38-21 edge. South Dakota State cruised from there on 41 more points and took the easy win 79-63. Luke Appel was the top team scorer on his 18 points with three assists and two boards.
ANDREW’S FREE ST. THOMAS-MN VS SOUTH DAKOTA STATE PREDICTION
I’ll lean toward South Dakota State here. The Jackrabbits are coming off a quality outing versus Oral Roberts with 55.1 percent shooting and a 32-28 rebounding edge. South Dakota State was strong from the line in that one as well with 17-of-20 (85 percent) free throws made. That makes 72 or more points in six straight games (all wins).
In the latest matchup between these teams back on February 24, the Jackrabbits took a 77-72 victory. South Dakota State played well in that one with 59.1 percent shooting but also coughed up 15 turnovers for 15 Tommies points. So long as the Jackrabbits are a little more careful with the ball this time I think they’ll be okay.