Western Illinois will look to improve on its 14-3 record on Thursday when they host South Dakota State in NCAA basketball odds action at Western Hall.

Supporters of the Jackrabbits have watched them go 13-6 and 7-8 ATS on the year, while the Leathernecks are at 14-3 and 9-3-1 ATS. In totals betting, the Leathernecks are 6-4, while the Jackrabbits have a 7-5 mark.



View South Dakota State vs Western Illinois Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
According to new college basketball power rankings here, it's the No. 252-ranked Leathernecks and the No. 159-rated Jackrabbits in this matchup. Computer formulas aimed at predicting NCAAB scores point to a 74-70 win for the Leathernecks on Thursday.



How They Match Up:
The game also pits Western Illinois's No. 274-ranked offense, averaging 62.8 PPG, against a Jackrabbits defense that ranks No. 201 at 67.3 PPG. The Leathernecks field goal percentage has averaged 47.8% so far, more than the Jackrabbits marksmen have achieved on the year, 45.7% per game.

Defensively, South Dakota State features the nation's No. 195-rated defense on the road, allowing 70.9 points per game. Western Illinois, meanwhile, comes in at No. 286 nationally in scoring at home.

South Dakota State won its last outing, an 83-57 result against IUPU Fort Wayne on January 12. They covered in that game as a 11.5-point favorite. The Jackrabbits blew out IUPU Fort Wayne on Saturday, running up a 20+ point victory in an 83-57 win at Frost Arena.

Western Illinois won its last outing, an 89-74 result against Nebraska Omaha on January 12. They covered in that game as a 13-point favorite. Western Illinois earned an 89-74 victory over Nebraska Omaha on Saturday, getting 19 points from Terell Parks at Ralston Sports and Event Center.

Next up:
South Dakota State at IUPUI, Saturday, January 19
Western Illinois home to North Dakota State, Saturday, January 19