The New Mexico Lobos (16-13) will have their chance to beat the Mountain West’s best team when they take on the San Diego State Aztecs (21-8) at WisePies Arena. Action begins at 9:30 pm ET on Tuesday, Mar. 1 and can be seen on CCS.
The Lobos fell to Fresno State 92-82 on Saturday. Despite the loss, Elijah Brown earned his second double-double this season with 41 points and 11 rebounds. The Aztecs, meanwhile, are coming off a bitter 66-63 loss at the hands of Boise State on Saturday. Trey Kell had a game-high 17 points.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Aztecs winning the first matchup 78-71. Despite the loss, Tim Williams had a standout performance with 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block.
The Lobos enter the game with records of 16-13 Straight Up (SU) and 14-13 Against The Spread (ATS). The Lobos have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 68.2 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 77.3 points per game. Over their past 10 games, the New Mexico defense has been playing lights out, only allowing 60.1 points per game, well under their season average of 73.6.
As for their opponent, the Aztecs have 21-8 SU and 11-11-3 ATS records. The Aztecs have shown improvement on the offensive end over the most recent 10 game stretch. Over that span, San Diego State is averaging 77.9 PPG, significantly more than their season average of 66.9. The San Diego State defense has allowed an average of 76.9 points per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 60.3. Blocking shots is an area where San Diego State has excelled. The Aztecs average 5.4 blocks per game, making them one of the best in the nation.
Following the Aztecs’ latest win over New Mexico, the head-to-head record between these two is now an even 5-5 SU over their most recent meetings. On the other hand, New Mexico leads the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4. New Mexico held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once, while San Diego State was never able to do so in their most recent five games.
Predictions: SU Winner – SDSU, ATS Winner – SDSU
Notes
New Mexico averages 77.3 points per game this season. San Diego State is one of the highest-ranked teams in points allowed, giving up just 60.3 points per game (ranked fifth).
San Diego State lost its last game by a three-point margin. In games decided by a margin of three points or less, New Mexico is 1-2. San Diego State is 4-2 in close games this season.
On average, New Mexico has 72.6 possessions per game and scores 1.066 points on each possession. San Diego State has both fewer possessions (65.4) and scores fewer points during those possessions (1.022).
The New Mexico Lobos average an effective field goal percentage of 52.6% this season. The San Diego State Aztecs are a perfect 2-0 in games where opponents have an eFG% of 52.6% or greater.
On average, New Mexico attempts 16.0 three pointers and San Diego State attempts 18.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the New Mexico Lobos are even at 4-4 while the San Diego State Aztecs have a stellar 9-1 record.
San Diego State, the 16th-ranked team in blocked shots, records an average of 5.4 blocks per game. New Mexico ranks 94th with 4.1.
New Mexico ranks 249th in offensive rebounds, while San Diego State ranks 56th in defensive rebounds.
The New Mexico Lobos make an average of 5.8 steals per game. The San Diego State Aztecs are 12-8 when they allow 5 or more steals.
