NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The Summit League Tournament atmosphere takes over the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this Thursday night. The South Dakota State Jackrabbits (14-17) face a formidable challenge against the St. Thomas Tommies (23-8). While this is technically a neutral-site game, the Jackrabbits traditionally enjoy a “home away from home” advantage in Sioux Falls, which could complicate the math for the favored Tommies.
St. Thomas enters as a 5.5-point favorite, backed by one of the most efficient offenses in the country. South Dakota State, despite an under-index regular season, remains a dangerous postseason threat with enough scoring punch to keep things interesting. With a total set at 149.5, oddsmakers are expecting a high-paced affair between two teams that aren’t afraid to let it fly.
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
South Dakota State vs St. Thomas Odds
While St. Thomas holds the edge in the standings, the betting lines are tight, reflecting the high-stakes nature of March basketball. Be sure to shop around for the latest college basketball odds to ensure you are getting the best value before tipoff.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| South Dakota State | +229 | +5.5 (-108) | O 149.5 (-111) |
| St. Thomas (MN) | -297 | -5.5 (-113) | U 149.5 (-111) |
South Dakota State Betting Form
The Jackrabbits are looking to regain their footing after a close 75-70 loss to the Coyotes. Joe Sayler was the primary engine in that game, putting up 24 points and 6 assists. When Sayler is hitting his shots and Damon Wilkinson is controlling the interior (15 points, 7 rebounds), the Jackrabbits can compete with anyone in the Summit. For more on their season-long performance, visit the South Dakota State stats and results page.
Statistically, the Jackrabbits are efficient, posting a 53.1% effective field goal percentage. They have won three of their last five games, showing they are peaking at the right time for tournament play. However, their 14-17 record suggests a lack of consistency that they will need to overcome tonight. Make sure to check the South Dakota State injury report to ensure their primary scoring options are healthy for this late-night tip.
St. Thomas (MN) Betting Form
The Tommies are currently one of the most disciplined teams in the nation. They rank 6th in the country in field goal percentage (51.2%) and a staggering 2nd in 2-point shooting (63.6%). Coming off a defensive masterclass against Omaha (68-53), Nolan Minessale and his 77.8% shooting mark highlight just how difficult this team is to stop when they get to their spots. You can see their full season trajectory on the St. Thomas schedule and stats page.
St. Thomas has been incredibly reliable as a favorite, winning over 82% of their games in that role. While they are 15-2 at home, the transition to the Denny Sanford Premier Center will test their ability to maintain that efficiency on a neutral floor. Check the St. Thomas injury report for any late-breaking updates, as their high-precision offense requires all five pieces of the engine to be running smoothly.
South Dakota State vs St. Thomas Matchup Breakdown
This game is a clash between SDSU’s tournament experience and St. Thomas’s elite efficiency. The Tommies average 83.3 points per game, a number that puts immense pressure on a Jackrabbits defense that has been hit-or-miss this season.
- Efficiency Battle: St. Thomas ranks 6th in FG% (51.2%) vs. SDSU’s respectable 46.3%.
- Interior Dominance: St. Thomas is 2nd in the nation in 2-point scoring percentage.
- Neutral Site Factor: The game is in Sioux Falls, historically a massive pro-SDSU environment.
- Pace of Play: Both teams average over 75 points, suggesting a high-possession game.
If South Dakota State can turn this into a perimeter-oriented game and use the crowd energy to disrupt St. Thomas’s rhythm, the +5.5 spread becomes very interesting. For more context on Summit League tournament trends, check out our college basketball betting guide.
South Dakota State vs St. Thomas Predictions and Best Bets
While the Jackrabbits have the “home” crowd on their side, it is hard to bet against the statistical juggernaut that is St. Thomas. Our model projects an 82-74 victory for the Tommies, which covers the 5.5-point spread. St. Thomas’s ability to score at the rim is the ultimate equalizer in a tournament setting where jump shots can sometimes go cold.
Regarding the total, 149.5 feels low for these two offenses. With St. Thomas averaging 83.3 points and SDSU averaging 75.7, a projected total of 156 points seems much more realistic. The high efficiency of both teams suggests that even a slight decrease in pace won’t keep this under the number.
Best Bet: Over 149.5 (-111).
Follow proven NCAAB handicappers.
Beat the market all season long
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Summit League “March Madness” is just getting started. You can find today’s college basketball picks for every tournament game on our site. Our experts are tracking every line move to find the best value in Sioux Falls.
You can also follow the top sports handicappers who specialize in mid-major conferences. Our handicapper leaderboard shows you who is currently on a winning streak before you buy expert picks for the later rounds of the tournament.
