NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Table of Contents
South Dakota heads to Fargo for a Summit League matchup with North Dakota State on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET at the Scheels Center. The Coyotes are 8-7, but they’ve struggled away from home at 1-5 on the road, which is a big part of why they’re catching 11.5 here.
North Dakota State is 10-5 with a 7-1 home record, and oddsmakers are treating this like a “home team controls the game” spot. The total is 163.5, which is a big number even for two teams that can score, so you’re betting both pace and efficiency when you touch that market. The spread is the cleaner question: does South Dakota’s offense keep the backdoor open, or does NDSU’s home edge turn this into a comfortable margin?
South Dakota Coyotes vs North Dakota State Bison Odds
These are the current betting lines, but you should always monitor movement close to tip.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Coyotes | +414 | +11.5 (-112) | O 163.5 |
| North Dakota State Bison | -610 | -11.5 (-109) | U 163.5 |
South Dakota Coyotes Betting Form
South Dakota’s offense is live in almost any matchup because they play aggressively and they get to the line. They’re averaging 83.5 points per game, and ranking 9th in free throw attempts is not just a stat, it’s a style. That matters when you’re taking a double-digit dog because free throws are how you stay afloat when the jumpers aren’t perfect.
The recent blowout win over Mount Marty showed how efficient they can look when they’re making shots, but it’s also a game you have to grade carefully. The bigger issue is the road profile. At 1-5 away, South Dakota has had trouble sustaining defensive focus and avoiding the kind of scoring droughts that turn a close game into a 12-point hole. Still, the offensive ceiling is high enough that +11.5 isn’t crazy if they’re hitting enough threes and getting to the stripe.
South Dakota injury report
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| None reported | N/A | No confirmed injuries or suspensions listed as of game day; monitor late updates. |
North Dakota State Bison Betting Form
NDSU is priced as a big home favorite because they’re reliable at the Scheels Center and they can score without playing perfect basketball. They’re putting up 80.9 points per game and they generate a lot of shot volume, which is why their field goal attempt ranking matters. At home, that often turns into margin, because the opponent’s misses become transition chances and the pressure ramps up.
The loss to UC Irvine was close, and that matters because it suggests their floor is still solid even when the game isn’t going perfectly. They have multiple scoring options, and they usually get enough production from the guards to keep the offense moving. If NDSU wins this by margin, it’s likely because they control the glass, avoid turnovers, and force South Dakota into tougher looks than it wants.
North Dakota State injury report
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| None reported | N/A | No confirmed injuries or suspensions listed as of game day; monitor late updates. |
South Dakota Coyotes vs North Dakota State Bison Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is about whether South Dakota can turn the game into a free-throw and shot-making contest instead of a possession battle. If the Coyotes are living at the line and staying efficient, they can hang even in a tough road building. If they’re not, their defense has to be good enough to survive, and that’s been the weak link in road games.
For NDSU, the key is to avoid fouling and not give South Dakota “free scoring” possessions. If NDSU defends without sending the Coyotes to the line, their home edge plus shot volume should show up. The total is interesting because 163.5 requires both teams to stay efficient, and one cold stretch or a whistle-free first half can put the under in a strong position even if the pace is decent.
South Dakota Coyotes vs North Dakota State Bison Predictions and Best Bets
I lean South Dakota +11.5. This is not a “South Dakota is better” take, it’s a number take. Both teams can score, and South Dakota’s ability to get to the line is a real weapon when you’re catching points. Even if NDSU controls the game, South Dakota can still cover with a strong second half and a few late trips to the stripe.
On the total, I lean under 163.5. It’s a big number, and you’re asking for a clean scoring game on both sides. If NDSU does what a good home favorite should do, it defends without fouling and forces South Dakota into longer possessions. That’s how this lands closer to the low 160s or high 150s even when the final score still looks “high.”
Best Bet: South Dakota Coyotes +11.5 (-112).
College Basketball Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re betting college hoops regularly, the biggest edge is filtering the slate into your best spots instead of trying to play everything. The college basketball picks page helps you compare sides and totals quickly across the board and see where the strongest positions are forming.
If you care about performance and transparency, use the best handicappers list and the handicapper leaderboard to see who’s actually producing over time. And if you want a bigger menu than the free card, the buy picks page is where the premium selections live, especially useful on nights with a full conference slate.
