Offense meets defense when the New Mexico State Aggies (1-0) visit Saint Mary’s to take on the No. 22 Gaels (1-0). Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Monday, November 13, 2017.
New Mexico State Aggies at Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Preview
The Aggies had no trouble getting past the East Central Tigers in their last game, 81-55. With 19 points and 19 rebounds, Jemerrio Jones had a solid outing for New Mexico State. New Mexico State played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.8 and a turnover percentage of 11.8. For those same stats, East Central was 7.3 and 17.3, respectively.
In the Gaels last matchup, they beat the Saint Francis U Red Flash, 85-68. Saint Mary’s was lifted by Calvin Hermanson, who was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-10 shooting. The Gaels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 13.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.631 vs. 0.519).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Saint Mary’s takes on the elite defense of New Mexico State. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Gaels rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Aggies are 37th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Aggies have been among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking 12th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 percent). The Gaels, however, rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (78.4 percent).
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Aggies rank 41st in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Gaels rank 77th (5.6).
- New Mexico State allows the second-fewest blocks per game (1.9) while Saint Mary’s ranks 12th (2.4).
- New Mexico State ranks 14th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Saint Mary’s ranks 174th (35.5).
- The Gaels rank 15th in assists per game (16.8) while the Aggies rank 78th (14.9).
- Saint Mary’s ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (14.5) while New Mexico State ranks 59th (19.1).
