The UTEP Miners (1-6) will attempt to put an end to their six-game losing streak when they go head-to-head against the New Mexico Lobos (3-4) at Don Haskins Center. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 143.5 points with New Mexico set as a 3-point favorite.
New Mexico Lobos at UTEP Miners Betting Prediction
In the Lobos’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Evansville Aces, 78-59. New Mexico’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Evansville. The Lobos had a rate of 14.5 (better than their season average of 16.0), while the Aces posted a mark of 25.3 (above their season average of 18.6). New Mexico was lifted by Troy Simons, who was the top scorer from either team with 14 points on 4-for-8 shooting.
The Miners got blown out by the New Mexico State Aggies in their last outing, 80-60. New Mexico State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over UTEP. The Aggies had a rate of 33.3 (below their season average of 37.1), while the Miners posted a mark of 16.3 (below their season average of 22.6). Tirus Smith had a good game for UTEP, leading the team in scoring with nine points on 2-for-5 shooting.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the UTEP offense. Since the 2016-17 season, UTEP ranks 246th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.6 percent), while the disruptive defense of New Mexico has forced the 60th-most turnovers in the nation (20.8 percent).
New Mexico comes into the contest with records of 3-4 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total high when the Lobos are involved, as five of their 6 games have ended under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, UTEP owns records of 1-6 SU and 1-2 ATS. Unlike New Mexico, Miners games tend to go over the O/U total (66.7 percent).
The Lobos won the sole contest against the Miners last season, 78-77. New Mexico had a much better free throw rate (0.477 vs. 0.138). UTEP, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (16.8 vs. 20.5).
New Mexico Lobos vs. UTEP Miners ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – New Mexico, ATS Winner – New Mexico, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
UTEP ranks 79th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while New Mexico ranks 264th (7.6).
The Miners rank third in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while the Lobos rank 131st (3.4).
UTEP averages 13.9 assists per game, which ranks 148th in the nation. New Mexico ranks 228th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
The Lobos rank 301st in three pointers attempted per game (17.6) while the Miners rank 235th in three pointers allowed per game (22.6).
UTEP ranks 232nd in rebounds per game (34.7) while New Mexico ranks 236th (34.6).
