The Valparaiso Beacons and South Dakota State Jackrabbits both enter this game with perfect records in the 2027 regular season. Valparaiso has recorded wins both at home and on the road, showcasing strong performances in their first two games. They will seek to continue this momentum as they face the Jackrabbits in Brookings, South Dakota.
South Dakota State also stands at 2-0, demonstrating their ability to win in both home and away settings. Their recent victory against Kansas State was a close contest, highlighting their capability to handle tight situations. With the game being held at their home venue, the Jackrabbits will look to leverage this advantage.
The odds favor Valparaiso slightly with a spread of -1.5, suggesting a competitive matchup. Players like Rakim Chaney and JT Pettigrew have been key contributors for Valparaiso, while South Dakota State's Davis Kern and Jon Mekonnen have shown strong performances. Both teams are set to deliver an exciting game as they strive to keep their unbeaten streaks alive.
South Dakota State vs Valparaiso At a Glance
- Matchup: Valparaiso Beacons vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- Venue: First Bank & Trust Arena, Brookings SD
- Date & Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: Summ
- Valparaiso Record: 2-0 this season
- South Dakota State Record: 2-0 this season
South Dakota State Jackrabbits: A Closer Look at the Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits have had a moderate offensive performance this season. They average 69.5 points per game. Their field goal percentage stands at 44.5%, with a focus on two-point attempts.
Despite the low number of possessions per game at 67.4, the team manages to make 8 three-pointers per game. Their free throw shooting needs improvement with an average of 8.5 made per game, hitting only 68% of their attempts.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Jackrabbits have room for growth. They average 1 block per game, which ranks them at 19th. However, steals are rare at just 12 per game.
Turnovers per game stand at 11.5, indicating they manage to keep control of the ball fairly well. With an average of 16 fouls per game, they need to maintain discipline to avoid giving opponents easy scoring opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
Davis Kern leads the team in scoring with 17 points per game and a field goal percentage of 45.5%. He also contributes with 5.5 rebounds per game.
Jon Mekonnen is another strong performer, adding 16 points per game with an impressive field goal percentage of 63.6%. Joe Sayler, a guard, adds 10 points and 2.5 assists per game, helping to distribute the ball effectively.
Recent Performances
The Jackrabbits recently secured a 22-point win over Briar Cliff, scoring 71 points. Jon Mekonnen was a standout with 18 points on 72.7% shooting.
In a close game against Kansas State, the Jackrabbits came out on top with a 68-66 victory. Davis Kern led the charge with 24 points and 8 rebounds.
Team Betting Trends
- ? SU Last 3: 2-0 (100.0%)
- ? SU Last 5: 2-0 (100.0%)
- ? SU All Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- ? ATS Last 3: 1-0-1 (50.0%)
- ? ATS All Games: 1-0-1 (50.0%)
- ? O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Valparaiso Beacons Prepare for an Intense Game
Team Overview
The Valparaiso Beacons are making waves this season with their strong performance on the court. They have an average of 81.5 points per game, placing them in the middle range for scoring. Their possessions per game stand at 71.6, allowing them ample opportunities to score.
With a field goal percentage of 47.1, they have shown they can convert their opportunities into points effectively. Their two-point shooting is particularly impressive, with a success rate of 59.0. However, their three-point percentage lags behind at 25.6, indicating room for improvement from beyond the arc.
Offensive Strengths
Rakim Chaney stands out as a key player for Valparaiso, averaging 22.5 points per game. His shooting accuracy at 58.6% is a significant contributor to the team's offensive output. JT Pettigrew also plays a crucial role, contributing 14.5 points per game.
The Beacons excel at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, attempting 29.5 free throws per game. However, their conversion rate from the line is 64.4%, which they will need to improve for better efficiency. Despite this, they manage to make 19 free throws per game, adding valuable points to their total.
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, Valparaiso averages 6.0 steals per game, showcasing their ability to disrupt opponents' plays. They maintain discipline with only 9.0 turnovers per game, minimizing lost opportunities. However, they average 22.0 fouls per game, which could be a concern if it leads to easy points for the opposition.
They also block 4.0 shots per game, adding a defensive edge inside the paint. Their rebounding averages at 37.5 per game, indicating their capability to secure the ball after missed shots and create second-chance opportunities.
Key Player Impact
Rakim Chaney's all-around performance, including his 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, makes him a pivotal figure on both ends of the court. JT Pettigrew's contributions extend beyond scoring, as he also averages 5.0 rebounds per game. Their combined efforts significantly impact the team's overall dynamics.
Justus McNair, contributing 10.0 points per game, also provides valuable support. His consistent shooting at 46.7% helps maintain the team's offensive momentum. Carter Hopoi adds depth with 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, enhancing their presence in the paint.
Valparaiso Beacons Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 2-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
The Beacons have shown strong performance against the spread (ATS), with a 100% success rate in their last three games. This indicates their competitiveness and ability to meet or exceed expectations. Their straight-up (SU) performance also reflects their winning mentality, whether as favorites or underdogs.
South Dakota State vs Valparaiso Prediction: Over 142.5
Valparaiso Beacons score an average of 81.5 points per game. This suggests they have the ability to put up points quickly. Their offensive stats show a strong field goal percentage, which may lead to high scoring opportunities against South Dakota State.
South Dakota State scores 69.5 points per game. Although their points per game is lower, they have shown the capacity to keep pace with other teams. The combination of both teams' scoring averages points towards a higher total score.
Both teams have maintained unblemished records this season. Their performances suggest a competitive game with both teams striving to outscore each other. This setting often results in higher totals as the game progresses.
Considering the current stats and trends, the projected total for this game leans towards the over. A projected final score could see Valparaiso winning with a scoreline of 76-72, leading to a total of 148 points.
- South Dakota State vs Valparaiso Prediction: Over 142.5
- South Dakota State vs Valparaiso Score: Valparaiso 76 - South Dakota State 72
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