The New Mexico State Aggies (9-2) and the Davidson Wildcats (4-4) go head-to-head in the Diamond Head Classic at Stan Sheriff Center. Davidson opened as a 2-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 142.5 points. Action gets underway at 11 p.m. ET on Friday, December 22, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Davidson Wildcats vs. New Mexico State Aggies Free Preview
The Wildcats got blown out by the No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers in their last matchup, 80-60. Peyton Aldridge had a good game for Davidson, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-15 shooting. Virginia’s 0.250 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Davidson, who had a mark of 0.080. The Cavaliers mark was above their season average of 0.217, while the Wildcats was below their season average of 0.174.
In the Aggies last game, they topped the Illinois Fighting Illini, 74-69. New Mexico State was lifted by Jemerrio Jones, who recorded 11 points and 13 rebounds. The Aggies had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.531) and had a turnover percentage of 14.2 (better than their season average of 17.6).
It could be a tough game for Davidson on the offensive glass. The Wildcats rank 301st in offensive rebounding percentage (24.6 percent), while New Mexico State ranks ninth in defensive rebounding percentage (72.4 percent) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Both of these teams have a tendency to go under the projected point total. Games including Davidson have finished under 57.1 percent of the time, while New Mexico State games have gone under 100.0 percent of the time. The Aggies have the superior straight up (SU) record (9-2 vs. 4-4), but the Wildcats hold the sizable advantage against the spread (ATS) (3-4 vs. 2-1).
Jones has really been playing well over the last five games for New Mexico State, averaging 12.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game.
Davidson Wildcats vs. New Mexico State Aggies ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Davidson, ATS Winner – Davidson, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Aggies rank fourth in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Wildcats rank 97th (6.3).
- New Mexico State ranks first in blocks allowed per game (1.7) while Davidson ranks 79th (3.2).
- New Mexico State ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (32.4) while Davidson ranks 174th (36.3).
- The Wildcats rank 18th in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while the Aggies rank 160th (21.9).
- New Mexico State ranks sixth in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Davidson ranks 111th (13.1).
