The New Mexico State Aggies (23-4, 11-1 WAC) and the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (16-13, 7-5 WAC) go head-to-head at Pan American Center. The Aggies will attempt to extend their 12-game winning streak. The game begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at New Mexico State Aggies Betting Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Aggies defeated the Texas A&M-International Dustdevils 80-42, while the Vaqueros beat the Wayland Baptist Pioneers 85-66.
UT Rio Grande Valley played a perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.339 (above their season average of 0.289) and a turnover percentage of 15.4 (better than their season average of 15.9). Wayland Baptist was 0.155 and 26.1, respectively, for those same stats. New Mexico State, meanwhile, played a perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.9 (below their season average of 37.3) and a turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 14.6). For those same stats, Texas A&M-International put up marks of 7.5 and 18.4, respectively. Trevelin Queen played a key role for New Mexico State with 14 points. Meanwhile, UT Rio Grande Valley rallied around Tyson Smith, who finished with 13 points, five assists and five steals.
In their first matchup this season, AJ Harris led the Aggies to a 63-61 win. He produced 12 points. New Mexico State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 vs. 10.3). UT Rio Grande Valley, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (19.7 vs. 20.6).
When considering effective field goal percentage, New Mexico State should have a substantial advantage. The Aggies defense ranks 42nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.490), while the UT Rio Grande Valley offense is ranked 342nd in effective field goal percentage (0.448).
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at New Mexico State Aggies ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – New Mexico State, ATS Winner – New Mexico State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- New Mexico State ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (29.3) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 292nd (39.8).
- The Vaqueros rank 16th in steals per game (9.8) while the Aggies rank 161st (5.8).
- New Mexico State ranks eighth in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 132nd (3.6).
- The Aggies rank third in assists allowed per game (9.0) while the Vaqueros rank 197th (13.2).
- New Mexico State ranks 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 259th (17.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Vaqueros’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 0.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.2 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
