The New Mexico State Aggies (14-6, 5-0 WAC) and the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (6-12, 2-3 WAC) square off at UTRGV Fieldhouse. The Aggies look to lengthen their eight-game winning streak. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
New Mexico State Aggies at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Betting Odds
In their last game, the Vaqueros lost a tough one against the Utah Valley Wolverines, 72-70, while the Aggies were victorious over the Seattle Redhawks, 75-67.
New Mexico State played a nearly perfect game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.520 (above their season average of 0.192) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.0 (above their season average of 34.5). For those same stats, Seattle put up marks of 0.278 and 21.2, respectively. UT Rio Grande Valley, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 6.6 (better than their season average of 15.5). Lesley Varner II fueled UT Rio Grande Valley with 23 points and five rebounds. New Mexico State, meanwhile, rallied around Ivan Aurrecoechea, who contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Aggies dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in all three contests. In the last matchup, New Mexico State won 79-72. The Aggies’ 27.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Vaqueros, who had a mark of 20.0. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The offense of UT Rio Grande Valley (213th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 100.8) will clash against the stingy defense of New Mexico State (45th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 91.8). The Aggies should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Ball protection could be troublesome for the Aggies. They rank 307th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.5 percent), while the Vaqueros force the 13th-most turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 25.0 percent).
New Mexico State Aggies at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – New Mexico State, ATS Winner – New Mexico State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- New Mexico State ranks 38th in three pointers attempted per game (26.5) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 237th (18.9).
- The Vaqueros average 8.8 steals per game, which ranks 23rd in the country. The Aggies rank 131st in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- New Mexico State is fifth in the NCAA with 2.0 blocks allowed per game while UT Rio Grande Valley is 37th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- The Aggies rank third in rebounds allowed per game (28.4) while the Vaqueros rank 191st (36.6).
- New Mexico State ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (10.0) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 189th (14.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
- The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.8, up from 10.8 for the season.
