Breaking tonight: SDSU Jackrabbits Face Milwaukee panthers in Fiserv Forum Showdown
milwaukee, Wisconsin – A Friday night college basketball battle heads to Fiserv Forum as the south Dakota State Jackrabbits visit the Milwaukee Panthers, with ESPN+ carrying the action.
Game Snapshot
The Milwaukee Panthers own a 4-6 record and will look to rebound at home against a 7-6 south Dakota State squad that just faced wyoming in its latest game. Tip-off and television details place this matchup squarely in prime-time college hoops territory.
Recent Form And Notable Performances
South Dakota State dropped an 87-72 decision to Wyoming in its most recent outing. The jackrabbits shot 40.0 percent from the floor (22 of 55) and connected on 10 of 26 attempts from three-point range. Thay made 18 of 24 free throws (75.0 percent). Rebounding tipped in their favor with 18 boards, including five on the offensive glass, and they dished out eight assists while committing 10 turnovers and recording four steals. On defense, they allowed Wyoming to attack at a 53.6 percent clip (30 of 56).
Key contributor in the loss was Kalen Garry, who finished with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, playing 26 minutes and adding three rebounds and one assist.
Milwaukee’s latest game ended in a 70-68 defeat to Indiana State. The Panthers were out-rebounded 30-33 and shot 33.3 percent from three (8 of 24). They hit 4 of 6 free throws (66.7 percent) and finished 24 of 67 from the field (35.8 percent).Milwaukee’s defense surrendered 55.8 percent shooting to Indiana State (29 of 52) and allowed 47.8 percent shooting from distance for the game. Danilo Jovanovich led the Panthers with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, adding nine rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes.
Season Averages and Defensive Stance
South Dakota State enters the game with a 7-6 record. The Jackrabbits average 74.1 points per game, shoot 45.2 percent from the field, hit 33.3 percent of their three-pointers, and convert 69.8 percent of their free throws. They pull down about 37.8 rebounds per game and have 182 assists on the season, while turning the ball over 12.1 times per game. defensively, they force roughly 12.3 turnovers and commit 18.7 fouls per game,allowing 31.1 percent from long range and 67.5 points per game, while giving up 41.2 percent shooting overall and 31.8 defensive boards per game.
Milwaukee enters at 4-6.The Panthers average 79.7 points per game on 43.8 percent shooting, including 39.0 percent from three. They grab 36.7 rebounds per game, dish 14.3 assists, and commit 19.4 fouls per contest, with a free-throw percentage of 66.7. On defense,Milwaukee yields 81.7 points per game, allows 47.8 percent shooting from the field, and 39.0 percent from beyond the arc. Their opponents pull in 36.6 rebounds per game and hand out 16.4 assists, while Milwaukee forces about 12.9 turnovers per game and surrenders 73.5 percent shooting at the free-throw line.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Team | Record | points Per Game | Field Goal % | 3-Point % | Free Throw % | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Turnovers Per Game | Opp. FG % | Opp. 3P % | Opp. PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State | 7-6 | 74.1 | 45.2% | 33.3% | 69.8% | 37.8 | 182 | 12.1 | 41.2% | 31.1% | 67.5 |
| Milwaukee | 4-6 | 79.7 | 43.8% | 39.0% | 66.7% | 36.7 | 14.3 | 10.0 | 47.8% | 39.0% | 81.7 |
What To Watch
expect a contest shaped by tempo and shooting accuracy. south Dakota State leans on a steady shooting touch and disciplined ball movement, while Milwaukee aims to leverage a higher-scoring pace at home. The Panthers’ defense will be tested by SDSU’s offensive balance, especially from beyond the arc and on free throws. Conversely, milwaukee will push to exploit its own shooting depth and physical rebounding to keep pressure on the Jackrabbits.
evergreen Insights For Hoops Fans
In games like this, the team that protects the ball and controls the glass tends to dictate the flow. Free-throw success often tightens close games, while opponents’ three-point efficiency can swing momentum in a single stretch. Look for veterans to make the difference in late-game situations, notably on the road, where handling pressure and maintaining focus through runs becomes crucial.
Engagement Corner
Which factor do you think will tilt the game-outside shooting, rebound battles, or free-throw efficiency?
Can you predict which player will set the tone for their team in crunch time?
Share your thoughts below and tell us which team you’re backing in tonight’s showdown.
Eddie Ramirez – 17.5 PPG,2.9 3PM per game.
.South dakota State vs.Milwaukee – Game preview, Stats, and Betting Pick (Dec 19 2025)
Game Overview & Key Details
- Date & Time: Saturday, Dec 19 2025 – 7:30 PM CT
- Venue: Sanford Health Arena, Brookings, SD
- Teams: South Dakota State Jackrabbits (Summit League) vs. Milwaukee Panthers (Horizon League)
- Broadcast: ESPN2,live stream on ESPN+.
Recent Form & Performance Trends
South Dakota State Jackrabbits (8‑2 4‑1 Summit League)
- Last 5 games:
- Wins over Colorado State, Wyoming, and Northern Iowa.
- Losses to kansas State (away) and Iowa State (OT).
- Scoring average: 78.4 pts per game (3rd in Summit League).
- Turnover margin: +2.1 (ranked 2nd nationally for forced turnovers).
Milwaukee Panthers (7‑3 3‑2 Horizon League)
- Last 5 games:
- Wins vs. Detroit Mercy, Green Bay, and Cleveland State.
- losses to Wright State and Northern Kentucky (both close games).
- Scoring average: 73.9 pts per game (5th in Horizon League).
- Rebound differential: +4.3 (4th in the league).
head‑to‑Head History
| Season | Result | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023‑24 | SDSU win | 81‑75 | Home (Brooklyn, NY) |
| 2022‑23 | Milwaukee win | 68‑66 | Neutral (Maui, HI) |
| 2021‑22 | SDSU win | 74‑70 | Home (Brookings, SD) |
– Overall series (2020‑2025): South Dakota State leads 2‑1.
- Points per game trend: Both teams average within 5 points of each other in the last three meetings, indicating a tightly contested rivalry.
offensive Comparison
South Dakota state
- Field‑goal %: 46.8 % (ranked 12th nationally).
- Three‑point %: 38.2 % (led the Summit League).
- Key playmakers:
* Tyler “Flash” Jensen – 19.2 PPG, 3.1 3PM per game.
* Mason “Big” Carter – 6.8 reb / 2.4 AST per game (efficient mid‑range shooter).
Milwaukee
- field‑goal %: 44.5 %.
- Three‑point %: 35.6 %.
- Key contributors:
* Eddie Ramirez – 17.5 PPG, 2.9 3PM per game.
* Jordan “Glass” Hayes – 8.2 reb / 1.8 AST per game (strong post presence).
Takeaway: SDSU’s higher three‑point efficiency could force Milwaukee to defend the perimeter, possibly opening lane‑penetration opportunities.
Defensive Comparison
| Metric | South Dakota State | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| opponent FG% | 41.2 % | 42.7 % |
| forced turnovers per game | 14.3 (2nd NCAAB) | 11.6 |
| Blocks per game | 3.2 | 2.7 |
| Defensive rebounding % | 78.4 % | 80.1 % |
– SDSU relies on aggressive ball‑pressure and a disciplined zone that limits inside scoring.
- Milwaukee emphasizes transition defense and strong rebounding; their 80.1 % defensive rebounding rate ranks 3rd in the Horizon League.
Player Matchups to Watch
- Tyler Jensen (SDSU) vs.Eddie Ramirez (Milwaukee)
- Both are primary scoring options; Jensen’s off‑ball movement may challenge Ramirez’s perimeter defense.
- mason Carter (SDSU) vs. Jordan Hayes (Milwaukee)
- Carter’s ability to stretch the floor versus Hayes’ post‑up game will dictate interior spacing.
- SDSU Guard Rotation vs. Milwaukee Wing Defenders
- Expect a battle for the weak side of the court as SDSU runs pick‑and‑rolls; Milwaukee’s athletic wings could disrupt passing lanes.
Betting Line & Odds Breakdown
- Current sportsbook consensus (as of Dec 16 2025):
- South Dakota State -3.5 (Moneyline: SDSU -155, Milwaukee +135)
- Over/Under: 151.5 points (Over -120,Under -140)
- Public betting split: 58 % SDSU,42 % Milwaukee.
- Sharp action: Early sharp money favored SDSU by 5 points, suggesting confidence in the Jackrabbits’ home‑court advantage and defensive edge.
Pick & Betting Strategy
- Primary pick: South Dakota State -3.5
- Rationale: Home advantage, superior turnover margin (+2.1), and higher three‑point efficiency give SDSU a 58 % win probability per ESPN’s predictive model.
- Alternate play: Under 151.5
- both teams sit in the lower half of the NCAA scoring distribution this season; defensive strengths suggest a sub‑152 total.
- Parlay suggestion: SDSU -3.5 & Under 151.5 at +250 odds (bookmakers offering a “two‑leg” parlay).
Betting Tips & risk management
- Check injury reports 48 hours before tip‑off: SDSU’s senior forward Derek Willis (knee) is listed as questionable; if he is out, the spread could shift 2‑3 points.
- Monitor line movement: If the spread drifts to SDSU -5.5, consider taking the moneyline (SDSU -180) as a hedge against a potential blowout.
- Bankroll allocation: Limit exposure to 2 % of your bankroll on the spread and 1 % on the over/under. Use the parlay only if you have a strong confidence level (>70 %).
Practical Tips for Viewing the Game
- Live‑stream checklist:
- Ensure ESPN+ subscription is active.
- Test streaming device 30 minutes before kickoff to avoid interruptions.
- In‑game betting:
- Watch the first 10 minutes for turnover trends; a high turnover count for Milwaukee could signal a shift in the spread.
- If the game reaches 78-78 at halftime with both teams shooting below 35 % from three, consider betting the second‑half under (125.5 points) for a higher payout.
all statistics are sourced from the official NCAA Men’s Basketball database (2024‑25 season) and the latest sportsbook odds released by DraftKings Sportsbook on Dec 16 2025.
