The Drake Bulldogs (8-2) will be in the Las Vegas Classic at Orleans Arena when they square off against the New Mexico State Aggies (9-2). The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Drake Bulldogs ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bulldogs easily got past the Buena Vista Beavers 98-52, while the Aggies defeated the North Dakota State Bison 73-56.
New Mexico State played a perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.6 and a turnover percentage of 9.9. For those same stats, North Dakota State was 13.5 and 15.5, respectively. Meanwhile, Drake played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.629 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2. For those same stats, Buena Vista put up marks of 0.286 and 25.5, respectively. Nick Norton had a solid performance for Drake, putting up 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, New Mexico State was led by JoJo Zamora, who had 16 points and five rebounds.
Second-chance points might be scarce for Drake in this matchup. The Bulldogs rank 289th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.4 percent), while New Mexico State ranks 25th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.6 percent). The Aggies should have an advantage in terms of ball protection. They rank 57th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent). Conversely, the Bulldogs force the 82nd-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.6 percent).
New Mexico State vs. Drake Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Drake, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- New Mexico State averages 27.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 31st in the country. Drake ranks 189th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
- The Aggies rank 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while the Bulldogs rank 114th (34.6).
- Drake ranks 21st in assists per game (17.5) while New Mexico State ranks 103rd (14.3).
- The Aggies rank 11th in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Bulldogs rank 167th (8.4).
- Drake ranks 39th in blocks per game (4.5) while New Mexico State ranks 156th (2.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, down from 7.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 83.4 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
