Nelly’s | Free Pick | NCAA BB | Nov. 9

#776 Boise State -6 over South Dakota State 8:00 PM CT

This could be a difficult turnaround spot on the schedule for South Dakota State as they lost 81-80 in overtime at Akron Monday. That was with very strong shooting numbers, making over 61 percent on 2-point looks and with a rebounding edge. Turnovers were an issue for the Jackrabbits, who figure to fall in stature from last season’s 30-5 campaign this season. Last season’s team made the NCAA Tournament but Douglas Wilson graduated and Baylor Scherieman transferred. Key reserves that added size for South Dakota State Noah Freidel and Luke Appel are also no longer contributing as freshman William Kyle has been asked to step into a huge role as the only starter above 6’4”. Zeke Mayo, Alex Arians, and Charlie Easley are returning starters that all had good 3-point success rates last season but did so at minimal volume as secondary options on the offense and it isn’t clear that success can scale up. The Jackrabbits remain a contender in the Summit but this is not likely a team in the same class as las year’ group. Boise State was also a NCAA Tournament team last season, going 15-3 in MWC play and winning the MWC tournament. Last year’s team was a top 20 defense nationally and has enjoyed a significant home court edge. The Broncos lost Abu Kigab and Emmanuel Akot but have five returning contributors led by Marcus Shaver and Tyson Degenhart. Texas Tech transfer Chibuzo Ago should have a big impact as well as the Broncos look a bit underpriced in on opening night.

Nelly’s closed the 2021-22 college season on a 22-7 run. We are 2-0 this season already!

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