South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Omaha Mavericks Picks and Predictions January 1st 2026

South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Omaha Mavericks Betting Preview

Summit League play opens Thursday in Brookings as South Dakota State hosts Omaha at First Bank & Trust Arena. Both teams enter with identical 7-8 records, but the market sees a clear separation at home. You can track the latest numbers and any movement throughout the day on the NCAA basketball odds page.

South Dakota State returns home after a difficult road trip that ended with a 99-71 loss at Arizona. Omaha also steps down in class after facing Oregon, a game that exposed defensive gaps but offered clean offensive reps. This sets up as a classic Summit opener where familiarity and shot quality matter more than raw athleticism.

Line Movement and Odds

South Dakota State opened as a sizeable home favorite at −9.5, with the total set at 151.5. Early interest has leaned toward Omaha as a double-digit underdog due to shooting efficiency and recent bounce-back performances. Totals action has been muted, reflecting both teams’ tendency to slow pace in conference play.

For conference-wide context and upcoming matchups, see the college basketball previews page.

Matchup Breakdown

Omaha’s case starts with efficiency. The Mavericks shoot nearly 47 percent from the field and sit inside the top 100 nationally in effective field goal percentage. They average more than nine made threes per game and convert at a strong clip from deep. Tony Osburn and Lance Waddles give them reliable shot creation, while Brock Scholl adds rebounding support.

South Dakota State relies on balance rather than pace. Kalen Garry and Jaden Jackson provide perimeter scoring, and Damon Wilkinson anchors the interior. The Jackrabbits score under 75 points per game on average, but their half-court execution improves noticeably at home. The concern is defensive containment against Omaha’s spacing and catch-and-shoot ability.

If Omaha gets clean perimeter looks early, the spread tightens quickly. For model comparisons and daily angles, the free college basketball picks page helps frame the number.

Injuries and Conditions

Omaha

No major rotation changes reported.
Full details: Omaha team page

South Dakota State

No significant injuries reported entering conference play.
Full details: South Dakota State team page

Indoor matchup, no external factors.

Best Bets and Prediction

This profiles as a tighter Summit opener than the spread suggests. Omaha’s shooting profile and ability to respond after losses give them a path to stay within range, even if South Dakota State controls the final minutes.

Projected Score: South Dakota State 78, Omaha 72
Best Bet: Omaha +9.5
Secondary Lean: Under 151.5, with conference pacing limiting possessions

For bankroll structure and situational angles, review the Bettors Handbook.

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Summit games reward patience and shot discipline.