The undefeated sixth-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack (14-0, 1-0 MWC) look to remain unbeaten when they square off against the New Mexico Lobos (7-6, 1-0 MWC) at Dreamstyle Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. New Mexico Lobos ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Lobos barely escaped the CSUN Matadors 87-84, while the Wolf Pack defeated the BYU Cougars 86-70.
Nevada dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.424 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.9. For those same stats, BYU put up marks of 0.174 and 19.6, respectively. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over CSUN. The Lobos had a rate of 0.423, while the Matadors posted a mark of 0.153. New Mexico received a boost from Dane Kuiper, who finished with 15 points. Jordan Caroline, meanwhile had a good game for Nevada, recording 25 points and 16 rebounds.
The Wolf Pack won the lone game between these two teams last year, 77-74. Nevada had a much better turnover percentage (6.7 vs. 17.1). New Mexico, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.9 vs. 27.0). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Caleb Martin has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Nevada, averaging 0 points per game.
A focal point for the New Mexico offense is getting to the free throw line. The Lobos rank 60th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.278), but Nevada is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 32nd by yielding a FTA rate of 0.178). Furthermore, the Wolf Pack’s 18th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 117.4) will attempt to exploit the Lobos’ 259th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 104.9).
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. New Mexico Lobos Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- New Mexico averages 27.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 36th in the country. Nevada ranks 200th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
- The Wolf Pack average 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 50th in the nation. The Lobos rank 185th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
- Nevada ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.4) while New Mexico ranks 94th (3.4).
- The Wolf Pack rank 72nd in rebounds per game (38.1) while the Lobos rank 230th in rebounds allowed per game (39.1).
- Nevada ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while New Mexico ranks 162nd (7.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 88.4 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
- The Lobos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 1.2 for the season.
