The New Mexico State Aggies (16-4, 5-1 WAC) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they take on the UMKC Kangaroos (8-13, 3-3 WAC) at Pan American Center. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
UMKC Kangaroos at New Mexico State Aggies ATS Prediction
In the Kangaroos’ last outing, they topped the Seattle Redhawks, 63-54. The Kangaroos made 14 of their 19 free throws (73.7 percent), while the Redhawks had a turnover percentage of 20.0 (above their season average of 15.1). With 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Xavier Bishop was the game’s leading scorer.
The Aggies won a close one over the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros in their last matchup, 63-61. New Mexico State’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Aggies had 12 offensive rebounds and 38 total rebounds, while the Vaqueros had three and 26, respectively. AJ Harris led New Mexico State in scoring with 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting from the field.
Ball security could play a significant role in this contest. New Mexico State commits the 55th-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the gambling defense of UMKC forces the 47th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.2 percent). Also, the Kangaroos rank 309th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.2 percent), while the Aggies rank 11th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.2 percent).
After the Aggies won both matchups against the Kangaroos last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent game, New Mexico State won 82-58. The Aggies had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.609 vs. 0.393) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 21.4).
UMKC Kangaroos at New Mexico State Aggies Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – New Mexico State, ATS Winner – New Mexico State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
New Mexico State ranks 78th in rebounds per game (37.5) while UMKC ranks 273rd (31.0).
The Aggies rank third in assists allowed per game (9.2) while the Kangaroos rank 152nd (13.5).
UMKC ranks 30th in steals per game (8.1) while New Mexico State ranks 157th (5.8).
The Aggies rank 30th in three pointers attempted per game (26.9) while the Kangaroos rank 145th (22.5).
New Mexico State ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while UMKC ranks 109th (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Kangaroos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
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