The New Mexico Lobos (6-8, 1-0 MWC) look to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Nevada Wolf Pack (12-3, 1-0 MWC) at Lawlor Events Center. The game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
New Mexico Lobos at Nevada Wolf Pack Betting Prediction
The last time the Lobos played, they thoroughly outplayed the Air Force Falcons, 87-58. New Mexico’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Air Force. The Lobos had a rate of 10.5 (better than their season average of 15.4), while the Falcons posted a mark of 20.3. New Mexico was lifted by Joe Furstinger, who contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wolf Pack beat the Fresno State Bulldogs in their last outing, 80-65. The Wolf Pack had 8 steals and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.573). With 18 points and 10 rebounds, Caleb Martin put together a good game for Nevada.
Ball security could play a key role in this matchup. Nevada commits the 20th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 15.8 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of New Mexico forces the 13th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.9 percent).
After the Wolf Pack won both meetings against the Lobos last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Nevada won 82-65. The Wolf Pack had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.630 vs. 0.445) and had a better free throw rate (0.380 vs. 0.291).
New Mexico Lobos at Nevada Wolf Pack Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Nevada ranks 84th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5) while New Mexico ranks 250th (39.5).
The Lobos rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (31.5) while the Wolf Pack rank 145th (21.9).
Nevada averages 16.9 assists per game, which ranks 36th in the NCAA. New Mexico ranks 133rd in assists allowed per game (13.5).
The Wolf Pack rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Lobos rank 106th (6.6).
Nevada ranks 49th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while New Mexico ranks 113th (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Lobos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 5.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (2.9 below their season average).
