The New Mexico Lobos (17-14, 12-6 MWC) square off with the Wyoming Cowboys (20-12, 11-8 MWC) in the Mountain West Conference Tournament at Thomas & Mack Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 11:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Wyoming Cowboys vs. New Mexico Lobos Betting Prediction
In the Cowboys’ last game, they beat the San Jose State Spartans, 74-61. The Cowboys had 9 steals and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.596 (above their season average of 0.520). With 24 points on 9-for-9 shooting, Justin James led Wyoming in scoring.
The Lobos beat the Fresno State Bulldogs in their last matchup, 95-86. The Lobos knocked down 27 of their 31 free throws (87.1 percent) and held the Bulldogs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.8 (below the 32.0 mark opponents have averaged against New Mexico this season). With 16 points and six rebounds, Troy Simons had a solid game for New Mexico.
There should be a fair amount of transition offense in this meeting that showcases two of the nation’s more fast-breaking teams. New Mexico currently ranks 31st in possessions per game (73.2) and Wyoming is seventh (76.7). Furthermore, the Cowboys rank 14th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.301), while the Lobos rank 312th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.289).
The Lobos have won both games against the Cowboys this season, including a 119-114 victory the last time these teams met. The Lobos had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (17.2 vs. 12.1) and had a much better free throw rate (0.533 vs. 0.422). Louis Adams scored a game-high 31 points.
Wyoming Cowboys vs. New Mexico Lobos Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – New Mexico, ATS Winner – New Mexico, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
New Mexico averages 15.9 assists per game, which ranks 39th in the nation. Wyoming ranks 176th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
The Lobos rank sixth in three-pointers attempted per game (29.5) while the Cowboys rank 140th in three-pointers allowed per game (21.3).
Wyoming ranks 159th in rebounds per game (35.0) while New Mexico ranks 276th (31.5).
The Cowboys rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Lobos rank 125th (3.4).
New Mexico averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 39th in the NCAA. Wyoming ranks 125th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Cowboys’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 1.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lobos have scored an average of 98.2 points per game (15.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 88.0 points per game (10.1 above their season average).
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