The South Carolina State Bulldogs take on the Chicago State Cougars in Chicago, IL. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Chicago State is favored by -2.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -155. The total is set at 152.5 points.
Here’s my South Carolina State vs Chicago State predictions and college basketball picks for December 1, 2025.
South Carolina State vs Chicago State Prediction
My Pick: Over 151.5
My South Carolina State vs Chicago State best bet is on the over. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
South Carolina State vs. Chicago State Odds
| South Carolina State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -108 | 152.5 -108o / -112u | +130 |
| Chicago State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -112 | 152.5 -108o / -112u | -155 |
- South Carolina State vs Chicago State spread: Chicago State -2.5
- South Carolina State vs Chicago State over/under: 152.5 points
- South Carolina State vs Chicago State moneyline: South Carolina State +130, Chicago State -155
South Carolina State vs Chicago State College Basketball Betting Preview
South Carolina State State Basketball
South Carolina State has put up some good efforts this season, with close games against Samford, South Dakota and Chattanooga. However, Erik Martin’s Bulldogs haven't been able to get any stops.
The transition defense isn't effective and the Bulldogs struggle with allowing offensive rebounds and sending their opponents to the foul line.
The offense has struggled with turnovers and empty possessions, largely due to the level of competition and the lack of a true shooter.
South Carolina State is only shooting 38% from the floor and 32% from 3 this season. Outside of Owen Bronston Jr., who averages 13.3 points per game, there aren't a lot of other options on offense.
South Carolina State doesn’t run well in transition and often finds itself deep into the shot clock.
Chicago State Basketball
Chicago State has slowed the tempo down considerably over the last two weeks, as Landon Bussie’s Cougars are playing to an average of 65 possessions over their last five contests.
Some of that has been the competition playing at a controlling pace.
We've also seen largely non-competitive contests out of this bunch early on, as the defense has been overmatched by power-conference opponents and the offense hasn't shot effectively.
Chicago State ranks 311th in KenPom’s effective field goal percentage and 333rd nationally in overall offensive efficiency. This is largely due to an abundance of 3-point misses and a lack of an emerging second scorer to compliment leading man Marcus Tankersley.
This team struggles in the half-court at times, but Bussie wants to run, and I think we see some of that in this matchup.
South Carolina State vs Chicago State Betting Analysis
This is a fascinating matchup between two 0-8 teams thirsty for their first win.
Both of these offenses are wildly inefficient but have played much more talented opponents. I would suspect we see the offenses look more well-oiled in this matchup, especially given the poor defensive metrics on both sides.
Both Chicago State and South Carolina State are bottom-30 in terms of defensive efficiency, and both of these two squads can't defend without fouling.
Chicago State should get to the line a ton in this matchup, as South Carolina State ranks 344th nationally in defensive free throw rate percentage. The Bulldogs also are one of the worst defenses in the country at allowing offensive rebounds, as 42% of their opponent's misses are corralled as an offensive board.
We should see a ton of second-chance points and trips to the foul line for Chicago State, resulting in a high point total for the Cougars.
Chicago State has one of the worst defenses in the country in terms of adjusted efficiency, effective field goal shooting and free throw rate. The Cougars struggle to defend well against anyone, and I think South Carolina State should be able to get to the line a ton in this game as well.
We've seen some higher offensive outputs from South Carolina State this season and it's now facing the worst defensive team it'll have played up to this point.
I don't trust these defenses to secure stops or keep their opponent off the foul line, where we'll get points with the clock stopped.
60+ foul shots could be attempted in this one, and while Chicago State has slowed down the tempo in recent games, I truly think this team wants to run. Plus, this is a good opponent to do that on.
These are two horrific defenses, there will be a ton of foul shots and both teams are desperate for a win. That means over.
My Pick: Over 151.5
