The upcoming NCAA Men’s Basketball showdown between the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and the South Dakota Coyotes promises to be an electrifying encounter. This game is not just another notch on the schedule; it’s a pivotal moment in the Summit League that could set the tone for both teams as they navigate through their season.
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Arena: Sanford Coyote Sports Center, Vermillion, SD
Current Team Form
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles enter this game with a record of 5-11 overall and 1-2 in Summit League play. Despite their struggles, they recently secured a thrilling 83-79 victory against the North Dakota Fightin’ Hawks, showcasing their potential to score when it matters most. Leading the charge is Issac McBride, who has been averaging 18.5 points per game, making him a key player to watch. However, Oral Roberts has faced challenges on the road, suffering from a 14-game away losing streak dating back to last season, which adds pressure as they seek to break that trend.
In their last ten games, Oral Roberts has averaged 73.5 points, while allowing opponents to score an average of 79.3 points. This defensive vulnerability could be a significant factor against a high-scoring team like South Dakota.
South Dakota Coyotes
On the flip side, the Coyotes boast a record of 10-8 and also sit at 1-2 in conference play. They are coming off a disappointing loss, having fallen to St. Thomas with a score of 119-104, despite scoring an impressive 104 points themselves. South Dakota’s offensive prowess is evident as they average 86.0 points per game, ranking them among the top scoring teams in college basketball.
Key players for South Dakota include Kaleb Stewart, who contributes an average of 11.5 points per game, and their overall scoring efficiency is bolstered by their ability to hit three-pointers at a rate of 37.9% from beyond the arc. However, they also allow an alarming average of 81.7 points per game, indicating that while they can score, they struggle defensively.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Oral Roberts Golden Eagles | South Dakota Coyotes |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 75.5 | 86.0 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 79.3 | 81.7 |
| Effective Field Goal % | 45.1% | 45.2% |
| Three-Point % | 37.9% | 32.9% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 24.2 | 31.8 |
| Turnover Rate | TBD | TBD |
Notable Injuries
As of now, both teams appear to be relatively healthy with no significant injuries reported that would impact their lineups significantly heading into this matchup.
Coaching Analysis
Both teams are led by experienced coaches who have demonstrated adaptability throughout their careers. The tactical approaches will be crucial; Oral Roberts will need to tighten their defense while maintaining offensive pressure, whereas South Dakota must find ways to shore up their leaky defense if they want to capitalize on their scoring ability.
Home Court Advantage
Playing at home gives South Dakota a notable edge; they are currently undefeated at home this season with a record of 9-0. The Sanford Coyote Sports Center is known for its energetic atmosphere, which can significantly influence player performance and morale.
Tempo and Style of Play
Both teams prefer an up-tempo style that encourages fast breaks and quick scoring opportunities. This could lead to an exciting pace but also raises concerns about defensive lapses that could result in high-scoring affairs.
Prediction Models
To support our prediction for this matchup, we can look at several respected NCAA basketball prediction models:
- KenPom: Predicted score: Oral Roberts 70 – South Dakota 80
- Sagarin Ratings: Predicted score: Oral Roberts 72 – South Dakota 84
- Bart Torvik: Predicted score: Oral Roberts 71 – South Dakota 83
- Haslametrics: Predicted score: Oral Roberts 69 – South Dakota 81
- Torvik: Predicted score: Oral Roberts 70 – South Dakota 82
These models consistently suggest that while Oral Roberts has the capability to score, South Dakota’s offensive firepower will likely overwhelm them.
Why Under 172.5 Points?
Given the current statistics and trends, I am inclined to predict that the total points will remain under 172.5 for several reasons:
- Both teams have shown fluctuations in scoring; while they can put up numbers, recent performances indicate potential for lower outputs against tougher defenses.
- The Coyotes’ defensive struggles may lead them to focus more on containment strategies rather than pure offense.
- Historical matchups suggest that when these two teams meet, scoring tends to dip below expectations due to defensive adjustments made during games.
Final Score Prediction
Based on our analysis and predictions from various models, I anticipate a final score around:
- Oral Roberts Golden Eagles: 70
- South Dakota Coyotes: 80
Recommendation
For those looking for value based on this analysis, I recommend considering the total points under option at 172.5 due to both teams’ recent trends and defensive adjustments expected during the game.
In conclusion, this matchup between Oral Roberts and South Dakota is set up for an exciting evening of college basketball filled with potential surprises and thrilling moments!
PICK: under 172.5 total points LOSE
