The New Mexico State Aggies (16-4, 5-1 WAC) welcome the UMKC Kangaroos (8-13, 3-3 WAC) to Pan American Center. The Aggies look to prolong their five-game winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. New Mexico State Aggies Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Aggies edged the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 63-61, while the Kangaroos defeated the Seattle Redhawks 63-54.
UMKC played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.280 (above their season average of 0.217) and a turnover percentage of 12.1 (better than their season average of 16.7). For those same stats, Seattle was 0.140 and 20.0, respectively. The Aggies, on the other hand, held the Vaqueros to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.3 (below their season average of 27.2). The Vaqueros had a free throw rate of 0.235 (below their season average of 0.291). AJ Harris put together a solid performance for New Mexico State with 12 points. Xavier Bishop, meanwhile had a good game for UMKC, recording 22 points.
The Aggies dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last matchup, New Mexico State won 82-58. New Mexico State’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over UMKC. The Aggies had a rate of 0.609 while the Kangaroos posted a mark of 0.393. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play a key role in this meeting. New Mexico State commits the 55th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the pesky defense of UMKC forces the 47th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.2 percent). Also, the Kangaroos rank 309th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.2 percent), while the Aggies rank 11th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.2 percent).
UMKC Kangaroos at New Mexico State Aggies Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – New Mexico State, ATS Winner – New Mexico State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- New Mexico State ranks 78th in rebounds per game (37.5) while UMKC ranks 273rd (31.0).
- The Aggies rank 30th in three pointers attempted per game (26.9) while the Kangaroos rank 145th (22.5).
- New Mexico State ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while UMKC ranks 109th (3.4).
- The Aggies rank third in assists allowed per game (9.2) while the Kangaroos rank 152nd (13.5).
- UMKC ranks 30th in steals per game (8.1) while New Mexico State ranks 157th (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
- The Kangaroos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 3.3 for the season.
