The New Mexico Lobos (3-6) will be at home in Dreamstyle Arena when they challenge the New Mexico State Aggies (6-2). Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. New Mexico Lobos Betting Preview
In the Aggies last contest, they were beaten by the San Diego Toreros, 65-60. New Mexico State’s Jemerrio Jones had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the contest. San Diego was lights out from beyond the arc (11-27; 40.7 percent). New Mexico State, on the other hand, forced the Toreros into a turnover percentage of 23.8 (above their season average of 17.1).
The Lobos are hoping for a better outcome after their 75-57 loss to the Colorado Buffaloes in their last game. Anthony Mathis was New Mexico’s high scorer with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting. Colorado had a much better free throw rate (0.269 vs. 0.085). New Mexico, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 8.2 (better than their season average of 15.9).
The offense of New Mexico will go head-to-head against the elite defense of New Mexico State. Since the 2016-17 season, the Lobos rank 168th in offensive efficiency, while the Aggies are 45th in defensive efficiency. The Aggies figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Additionally, the Aggies have been among the nation’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 54th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.285). The Lobos, meanhwile, rank 277th in opponents FTA rate (0.274).
Both of these teams have a tendency to finish under the O/U total. Games involving New Mexico State have gone under 100.0 percent of the time, while 75.0 percent of New Mexico games have finished under. The Aggies hold the sizable advantage straight up (SU) (6-2 vs. 3-6), but the Lobos have the superior against the spread (ATS) record (3-5 vs. 1-0).
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 131 points, well under the projected point total of 156. The Aggies won 75-56, covering as 5-point favorites. The Aggies dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 61.0 and a fantastic free throw rate of 0.328. The Lobos had marks of 26.5 and 0.192, respectively, for those same stats. Zach Lofton scored a game-high 28 points.
New Mexico State Aggies at New Mexico Lobos Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – New Mexico State, ATS Winner – New Mexico State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Aggies rank 127th in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while the Lobos rank 266th (18.2).
- New Mexico State ranks second in blocks allowed per game (1.7) while New Mexico ranks 123rd (3.3).
- New Mexico State ranks 29th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while New Mexico ranks 250th (7.3).
- The Aggies rank 25th in rebounds per game (39.7) while the Lobos rank 231st (34.5).
- New Mexico State ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (10.2) while New Mexico ranks 206th (14.1).
