South Dakota Coyotes vs Western Illinois Leathernecks Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Western Illinois vs South Dakota NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Vermillion.

Western Illinois vs South Dakota Prediction

Betting on today's Leathernecks and Coyotes game? Catch the action at Sanford Coyote Sports Center in Vermillion, SD, as the Coyotes hosts this showdown at 12:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 154.5 points, and South Dakota is favored by -9 against Western Illinois in a non-conference matchup.

Western Illinois vs. South Dakota Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Western Illinois Leathernecks at South Dakota Coyotes
Where: Vermillion at Sanford Coyote Sports Center
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Betting Odds SDAK -9, WILL +291 | SDAK -373 O/U 154.5

Leathernecks Preview: Do the Leathernecks Stand a Chance on the Road?

Western Illinois Leathernecks Recent Game/Games

The Leathernecks dropped to 3-4 on the season after an 86-75 loss to Incarnate Word on Wednesday. Western Illinois, who were +1.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread at home.

After trailing 35-32 at halftime, the Leathernecks allowed 51 points in the 2nd half while scoring 43 of their own. The game’s total points of 161 exceeded the O/U line of 137.5.

Leathernecks Offense Breakdown

Western Illinois put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 51.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 57.8%. They hit 56.2% of their two-point attempts and 38.5% from beyond the arc, while knocking down 85.7% of their free throws, going 24-of-28 at the line.

The Leathernecks dished out just 5 assists, with Jalin Anderson leading the way with 8 dimes. Davion Bailey and Marko Maletic each scored 23 points, with Bailey hitting 6 threes at a 50% clip. Dylan Hayman added 17 points, shooting 58.3% overall and 66.7% from three.

Leathernecks Team Defense

Western Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 86 points on 51% shooting. They allowed 56% from two-point range, with the opponent hitting 18 of 32 shots.

From beyond the arc, the Leathernecks gave up 5 threes on 13 attempts, a 38% clip. They also sent the opponent to the line 28 times, where they converted 24 free throws, shooting 85%.

Coyotes Preview: Will the Coyotes Come Through as Home Favorites?

South Dakota improved to 5-4 on the season with a narrow 82-81 victory over Wyoming on Tuesday. Playing at home, the Coyotes were -1 point favorites, and the game ended in a push against the spread.

After a 37-37 tie at halftime, South Dakota outscored Wyoming 45-44 in the second half. The total points for the game were 163, surpassing the O/U line of 156.5.

Coyotes Offense Breakdown

South Dakota put up 82 points in their last game, shooting 45% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.3%, largely due to their struggles from beyond the arc, where they hit just 4 of 19 attempts (21.1%). Inside the arc, they were much more efficient, converting 56.1% of their two-point shots.

At the free-throw line, the Coyotes made 24 of 34 attempts, shooting 70.6%. They recorded 9 offensive rebounds and 7 assists. Chase Forte led the way with 25 points and 5 assists, while Kaleb Stewart and Obi Agbim each added 17 points, with Agbim hitting 3 of 6 from deep.

Coyotes Team Defense

South Dakota's defense gave up 81 points, with their opponents shooting 45% from the field, hitting 27 of 60 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 23 two-point baskets on 41 attempts, a 56% shooting rate.

From three-point range, South Dakota's defense held their opponents to just 4 made threes on 19 attempts, a 21% shooting performance. However, they sent their opponents to the free-throw line 34 times, where they converted 24, shooting 70%. The Coyotes also gave up 9 offensive rebounds.

Leathernecks vs Coyotes Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last three road contests, the Leathernecks offense has averaged 61 points per game while allowing an average of 74. Western Illinois posted an overall record of 1-2 while going 1-2 ATS.
In their last ten games at home, the Coyotes have a straight up record of 1-9 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 76 points per game in these contests.
Looking back on the team's last five games as the underdog, the Leathernecks have a straight up record of 2-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-3.
Over the team's last three games as the favorite, the Coyotes struggled vs the spread going just 1-1-1. However, they still had a straight up mark of 2-1.