HOUSTON CHRISTIAN HUSKIES @ SOUTH DAKOTA COYOTES

Coyotes look to rebound after a painful finish

South Dakota lost 85–87 to Cal State Fullerton after four missed free throws in the final 15 seconds preceded the game-winning buzzer three. The Coyotes can respond in their home finale.

Buzelis is the early-season scoring focal point

Vince Buzelis scored 20 and 26 in South Dakota’s last two games and is averaging 20 points on 73.1% shooting through three games. HCU must contest his finishes without giving him easy trips to the line.

HCU has scoring options beyond its starters

HCU’s 74–67 win over Western Illinois featured four double-figure scorers and a 49–29 bench-scoring edge.

Turnovers could be a pressure point

HCU forced 16 turnovers against Western Illinois and led 29–19 in points off turnovers, putting pressure on South Dakota’s ball security.

South Dakota’s new-look roster is still taking shape

South Dakota returns only four players and 14.1% of last season’s scoring while adding 12 newcomers, making early execution a limited-sample question.

No injuries listed in the matchup report

Available reporting lists no injuries or confirmed lineup changes, but that does not guarantee availability; confirm closer to tip.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

South Dakota moneyline, price-sensitive

Lean South Dakota at a reasonable moneyline price, but avoid a steep number given its 1–2 start and HCU’s unbeaten record.

Consider HCU plus points if the handicap is meaningful

Consider HCU at +5 or better because the Huskies have already won away from home; pass at a shorter number.

Buzelis points prop, only at a conservative line

If the line is 18.5 or lower, consider Buzelis over points based on his early scoring role; avoid chasing a higher line.

Wait for a posted total before considering an under

Wait for a posted total; if it is unusually high, HCU’s recent defensive performance could support a cautious under lean.