The UMKC Kangaroos host South Dakota State on Thursday, looking to build on their 4-10 mark against the 10-5 Jackrabbits in college hoops action at Municipal Auditorium.

Supporters of the Jackrabbits have watched them go 10-5 and 5-6 ATS on the year, while the Kangaroos are at 4-10 and 7-6 ATS. In totals betting, the Kangaroos are 6-4, while the Jackrabbits have a 4-4 mark.



View South Dakota State vs UMKC Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
On the Sportsbook NCAA basketball line for this matchup, UMKC sat as 8-point underdogs over at Sportsbook. Also, check out the current total, which often goes up first at online sportsbook Sportsbook.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game puts the Kangaroos, most recently No. 331 in the Odds Shark power rankings, up against the Jackrabbits, who rate No. 167 in the latest survey. Meanwhile, math and computer-based handicapping simulations run on this game predict a potential 73-59 victory for the Jackrabbits.



How They Match Up:
Offensively, the game matches up UMKC's No. 287 nationally ranked offense (62.1 points per game) against a Jackrabbits defense that sits as the No. 200 at 67.5 PPG. The Kangaroos have been averaging 41.4% from the field, less than the Jackrabbits have managed so far this season (45.1% on average).

Defensively, South Dakota State features the nation's No. 195-rated defense on the road, allowing 71.8 points per game. UMKC, meanwhile, comes in at No. 194 nationally in scoring at home.

South Dakota State was a 65-62 loser in its last match on the road against North Dakota State. They covered the 7-point spread as underdogs. South Dakota State got 26 points from Nate Wolters on the way to a 65-62 loss against North Dakota State on Saturday at Bison Sports Arena.

Last time out for UMKC, they were a 77-65 loser as they battled Nebraska Omaha on the road. They failed to cover in the match as a 6-point favorite. UMKC got 23 points from Thomas Staton but lost anyway, 77-65, to Nebraska Omaha on Monday at Ralston Sports and Event Center.

Next up:
South Dakota State at South Dakota, Saturday, January 5
UMKC home to North Dakota State, Saturday, January 5