A shootout should be expected when the New Mexico Lobos (3-7) and the No. 23 Arizona Wildcats (7-3) square off at Dreamstyle Arena. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Arizona Wildcats vs. New Mexico Lobos Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they beat the Alabama Crimson Tide, 88-82. The Wildcats held the Crimson Tide to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.5 (below their season average of 30.0) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.468 (below their season average of 0.562). With 29 points on 12-for-18 shooting, Deandre Ayton was Arizona’s leading scorer.
The Lobos lost a close one to the New Mexico State Aggies in their last game, 65-62. New Mexico State out-rebounded New Mexico. The Aggies had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. nine), defensive rebounds (29 vs. 27) and total rebounds (44 vs. 36). With 13 points and seven rebounds, Troy Simons put together a good game for New Mexico.
This contest should be a showdown of opposite paces. New Mexico has preferred an up-and-down style of play (ninth in possessions per game), while Arizona has been more half-court-oriented (171st in possessions per game). Moreover, the Wildcats rank 27th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.306), while the Lobos rank 322nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.304).
After the Wildcats won the only contest against the Lobos last season, 77-46, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Wildcats knocked down 21 of their 29 free throws (72.4 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.560 vs. 0.277).
Arizona Wildcats at New Mexico Lobos Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – New Mexico, ATS Winner – New Mexico, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Arizona ranks 19th in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while New Mexico ranks 264th (41.4).
The Lobos rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (31.3) while the Wildcats rank 213th (18.9).
New Mexico ranks 23rd in steals per game (8.4) while Arizona ranks 170th (5.4).
The Lobos average 15.8 assists per game, which ranks 57th in the NCAA. The Wildcats rank 160th in assists allowed per game (14.1).
Arizona ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.6) while New Mexico ranks 134th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 10.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lobos have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (13.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
