The Utah State Aggies (25-6, 15-3 MWC) will be in the Mountain West Conference Tournament at Thomas & Mack Center when they challenge the New Mexico Lobos (14-17, 8-11 MWC). The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Utah State Aggies ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Aggies defeated the Colorado State Rams 100-96, while the Lobos beat the Wyoming Cowboys 78-68.
New Mexico dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.6 (below their season average of 29.7) and a turnover percentage of 12.2 (better than their season average of 17.2). For those same stats, Wyoming had marks of 10.5 and 19.3, respectively. The Aggies, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.1 vs. 21.2) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.646 (above their season average of 0.537). Sam Merrill played a key role for Utah State with 38 points, eight rebounds and six assists. New Mexico was lifted by Vance Jackson, who finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Lobos’ Carlton Bragg has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 13 rebounds,12.2 points,1.6 blocks,1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Sam Merrill has averaged 23 points during that same time frame for the Aggies.
The high-octane offense of Utah State will battle against the mid-tier defense of New Mexico. The Aggies rank 26th in offensive efficiency, while the Lobos are 202nd in defensive efficiency. The Aggies should have the edge on that side of the ball.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Utah State Aggies Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Utah State averages 17.2 assists per game, which ranks 10th in the NCAA. New Mexico ranks 249th in assists allowed per game (15.2).
- The Aggies rank 123rd in steals per game (6.3) while the Lobos rank 186th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- Utah State ranks 42nd in blocks per game (4.3) while New Mexico ranks 101st (3.5).
- The Aggies rank 12th in rebounds per game (40.0) while the Lobos rank 232nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- New Mexico averages 26.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 38th in the NCAA. Utah State ranks 175th in three pointers allowed per game (22.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Lobos have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
- The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, down from 12.3 for the season.
