It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the San Diego State Aztecs (9-7, 1-2 MWC) welcome the New Mexico Lobos (8-8, 2-2 MWC) to Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.
New Mexico Lobos vs. San Diego State Aztecs Free Prediction
In the Lobos’ last matchup, they were defeated by the Colorado State Rams, 91-76. Colorado State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over New Mexico. The Rams had a rate of 11.7 (better than their season average of 14.5), while the Lobos posted a mark of 21.2 (above their season average of 17.0). Vance Jackson led New Mexico in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Aztecs were beaten by the Air Force Falcons in their last contest, 62-48. Air Force’s 29.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over San Diego State, who had a rate of 20.0. The Falcons’ mark was above their season average of 24.6, while the Aztecs’ was below their season average of 30.7. With 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Jalen McDaniels led San Diego State in scoring.
The physical San Diego State offense might be living from the charity stripe in this battle. The Aztecs rank 31st in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.291, while New Mexico ranks 266th in FTA rate allowed (0.256). It will also be a showdown of conflicting paces as the fast-breaking Lobos rank 53rd in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Aztecs rank 259th.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Jackson (14 points,7.0 rebounds,1.2 steals) has been great for the Lobos while McDaniels (16 points,7.6 rebounds,1.8 steals) has contributed greatly to the Aztecs.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Aztecs won the most recent contest 82-75. The Aztecs made 21 of their 29 free throws (72.4 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.545 vs. 0.476).
New Mexico Lobos at San Diego State Aztecs Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – San Diego State, ATS Winner – San Diego State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
New Mexico ranks 36th in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while San Diego State ranks 205th (24.7).
The Aztecs rank 81st in rebounds allowed per game (33.6) while the Lobos rank 226th (38.1).
San Diego State ranks 64th in assists per game (15.3) while New Mexico ranks 192nd in assists allowed per game (15.2).
The Aztecs rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Lobos rank 79th (3.2).
San Diego State ranks 152nd in steals per game (5.8) while New Mexico ranks 158th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Lobos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 1.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aztecs have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (10.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
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