The No. 12 New Mexico State Aggies (28-5) square off against the No. 5 Clemson Tigers (23-9) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game is scheduled to start at 9:57 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Clemson opened as a 5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 133 points.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Clemson Tigers Free Prediction
The Aggies come in on a high note after topping the Grand Canyon Antelopes in the Western Athletic Conference Tourney, 72-58. The Aggies made 20 of their 27 free throws (74.1 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 10.7 (better than their season average of 15.5). Jemerrio Jones played a pivotal role for New Mexico State with 17 points and 18 rebounds.
In the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney, the Tigers lost to the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers, 64-58. Virginia’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Clemson. The Cavaliers had a rate of 11.2 (better than their season average of 12.7), while the Tigers posted a mark of 18.0. Shelton Mitchell put together a solid game for Clemson, leading both teams in scoring with 18 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
Points could be at a premium in this showdown between a pair of the NCAA’s best defenses. Clemson currently ranks 39th in defensive efficiency (98.5) and New Mexico State is third (91.5). Additionally, the Aggies, who rank 338th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.185), will clash against the Tigers, who rank 33rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.190).
New Mexico State holds records of 28-5 straight up (SU) and 5-3-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Aggies are involved, as six of their 9 games have gone under the total.
Meanwhile, Clemson owns records of 23-9 SU and 17-11-1 ATS. Contrary to New Mexico State, just over half of Tigers games have finished over the total.
Jemerrio Jones has averaged 16.8 rebounds and 13.0 points over the last five games for New Mexico State.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Clemson Tigers Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Clemson, ATS Winner – Clemson, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
New Mexico State ranks 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Clemson ranks 162nd (3.7).
The Aggies rank fourth in rebounds per game (41.5) while the Tigers rank 151st (35.5).
New Mexico State ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Clemson ranks 98th (5.9).
The Aggies are second in the nation with 9.3 assists allowed per game while the Tigers are 36th with 11.3 assists allowed per game.
New Mexico State ranks 125th in three pointers attempted per game (22.7) while Clemson ranks 138th in three pointers allowed per game (21.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.0, up from 12.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
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