The No. 6 Nevada Wolf Pack (14-0, 1-0 MWC) look to remain undefeated when they take on the New Mexico Lobos (7-6, 1-0 MWC) at Dreamstyle Arena. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. New Mexico Lobos Betting Prediction
In the Wolf Pack’s last game, they beat the BYU Cougars, 86-70. The Wolf Pack had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.174) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.9 vs. 19.6). With 25 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Jordan Caroline was the top scorer from either team.
The Lobos edged the CSUN Matadors in their last contest, 87-84. One of New Mexico’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 29 trips to the line, eight more than CSUN. With 15 points, New Mexico’s Dane Kuiper played well.
New Mexico does a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 60th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.278), but Nevada is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 32nd by allowing a FTA rate of 0.178). Also, the Wolf Pack’s 18th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 117.4) will face off against the Lobos’ 259th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 104.9).
A number of players have played at a high level over the last five games for Nevada. Averaging 0 points per game, Caleb Martin has led the way. Caroline (0 points) and Jazz Johnson (0 points) have also been superb.
After the Wolf Pack won the only contest against the Lobos last season, 77-74, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Nevada had a much better turnover percentage (6.7 vs. 17.1). New Mexico, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.9 vs. 27.0).
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. New Mexico Lobos Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – New Mexico, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
New Mexico averages 27.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 36th in the country. Nevada ranks 200th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
The Wolf Pack average 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 72nd in the nation. The Lobos rank 230th in rebounds allowed per game (39.1).
Nevada ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while New Mexico ranks 162nd (7.8).
The Wolf Pack average 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 50th in the country. The Lobos rank 185th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
Nevada ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.4) while New Mexico ranks 94th (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Wolf Pack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.2, up from 15.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lobos have scored an average of 88.0 points per game (9.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 83.6 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
*****
