The Providence Friars and South Dakota State Jackrabbits square off Thursday in the college basketball NCAA Tournament from KeyBank Center. South Dakota State is 30-4 this year. The Jackrabbits managed a win over North Dakota State last Tuesday. As for Providence, they’re sitting at 25-5 and coming off a conference tourney loss to Creighton. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
South Dakota State managed wins in nine of their first 13 games. The Jackrabbits haven’t lost a game since way back on December 15—a 21-game win streak. South Dakota State took out Omaha, South Dakota and North Dakota State in the tournament as well.
Back on March 8 versus North Dakota State, the Jackrabbits got off to a 33-28 lead in the first half. South Dakota State kept it up with 42 second-half points in a 75-69 win. Leading scorer Douglas Wilson posted 21 points with 11 rebounds.
Over on the Providence side, they had only lost three games (to Virginia, Marquette and Villanova) by the end of February. The Friars finished off the regular season with another loss to Villanova, then beat Butler in the tournament. Providence would then fall to Creighton on Friday.
Matched up against the Bluejays on Friday, the Friars were drilled 27-42 in the first half alone. Providence didn’t get much better after a 31-43 second half and lost 85-58. Al Durham was the only team player in double-figures with 21 points.
PICK: I’m going to take a stab on South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits rolled right through their conference games and put up an absolutely stellar season with a championship cap. South Dakota State has been scoring great as well, with 70 or more points in all 21 victories.
As for Providence, they hit the wall against Creighton; it was a bad game that the Friars should have handled much better. I like Providence to bounce back and play better here, but they’re going to have their hands full dealing with the Jackrabbits offense. Should be a great matchup regardless.