The No. 5 Clemson Tigers (23-9) challenge the No. 12 New Mexico State Aggies (28-5) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game starts at 9:57 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Clemson opened as a 4.5-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 will be hoping for a similar result after beating the Grand Canyon Antelopes in the , 72-58. The Aggies knocked down 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). New Mexico State received a boost from Jemerrio Jones, who had 17 points and 18 rebounds.
In the , the Tigers fell to the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers, 64-58. Virginia’s 11.2 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Clemson, who had a mark of 18.0. The Cavaliers’ mark was better than their season average of 12.7. Clemson’s Shelton Mitchell had a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 18 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this showdown between two of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Clemson ranks 40th in defensive efficiency (98.5) and New Mexico State is third (91.5). Moreover, the Aggies, who rank 338th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.185), could struggle to get to the line against the Tigers, who rank 33rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.190).
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 Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Clemson, ATS Winner – New Mexico State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
New Mexico State ranks fourth in rebounds per game (41.5) while Clemson ranks 154th (35.5).
The Aggies rank 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Tigers rank 161st (3.7).
New Mexico State ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Clemson ranks 98th (5.9).
The Aggies are second in the NCAA with 9.3 assists allowed per game while the Tigers are 38th with 11.3 assists allowed per game.
New Mexico State ranks 122nd in three pointers attempted per game (22.7) while Clemson ranks 137th 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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