It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Colorado State Rams (6-10, 1-2 MWC) welcome the New Mexico Lobos (8-7, 2-1 MWC) to Moby Arena. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
New Mexico Lobos at Colorado State Rams Free Prediction
In the Lobos’ last game, they were topped by the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, 80-69. UNLV’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over New Mexico. The Runnin’ Rebels had a rate of 0.554 (above their season average of 0.469), while the Lobos posted a mark of 0.455 (below their season average of 0.518). Corey Manigault had a solid performance for New Mexico, putting up 13 points and five rebounds.
The Rams had no trouble getting past the Air Force Falcons in their last game, 87-64. The Rams had a superb turnover percentage of 9.5 (better than their season average of 14.8), while the Falcons had a free throw rate of 0.115 (below their season average of 0.221). Nico Carvacho was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points on 12-for-16 shooting from the field.
After the Lobos won both contests against the Rams last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, New Mexico won 108-87. The Lobos had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.5 vs. 28.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.689 vs. 0.540).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Vance Jackson (14 points,7.2 rebounds,3.2 assists) has been stellar for the Lobos while Carvacho (21 points,16.2 rebounds) has made solid contributions to the Rams.
The productive offense of Colorado State (92nd in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 110.0) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of New Mexico (247th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 104.3). The Rams should have the edge on that end of the court. It will also be a matchup of opposite paces as the fast-breaking Lobos rank 55th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Rams rank 257th.
New Mexico at Colorado State Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – New Mexico, ATS Winner – Colorado State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
New Mexico ranks 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while Colorado State ranks 226th (26.0).
The Rams rank 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Lobos rank 149th (7.4).
New Mexico averages 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 98th in the NCAA. Colorado State ranks 177th in assists allowed per game (14.6).
The Rams rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while the Lobos rank 69th (3.1).
New Mexico ranks 103rd in rebounds per game (36.9) while Colorado State ranks 154th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Lobos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 2.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
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