Both the New Mexico Lobos and Colorado State Rams could climb in the Mountain West Conference standings ahead of next week’s men’s basketball tournament. But this is the final opportunity on the NCAAB schedule as the two teams wrap up the regular season.
These are two middle and lower-tiered NCAA basketball teams. The Lobos (21-9, 8-9) can move up to fifth with a win and San Jose State loss.
The Rams (13-17, 5-12) can tie for seventh with a win and a UNLV loss. Each team will have their eyes on NCAA basketball games today to see what their potential seeding could be in the next week.
It is particularly important for the New Mexico Lobos game today as they are a team conceivably on the NCAA Tournament bubble with a 46 NET ranking and a 6-7 combined quad 1 and quad 2 record.
Let’s break down the game before making New Mexico Lobos vs Colorado State Rams picks.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Colorado State Rams Odds
Before making any college basketball picks, it is important to take a quick look at the betting odds.
The NCAAB odds show New Mexico is favored by two points. The Colorado State Rams odds are +110 on the moneyline, while the Lobos are -130. The over/under is set at 156.5 points, with each side at -110.
Lobos team total is 79.5 with -115 odds on either side, while Colorado State’s team total is 77.5 with -115 on either side.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Colorado State Rams Information
New Mexico Lobos vs Colorado State Rams
Location of the Game: Moby Arena, Fort Collins, CO.
Date and Time: Friday, March 3, 2023, 11:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: FS1
New Mexico Lobos vs. Colorado State Rams Analysis
New Mexico Lobos Performance Recap and Analysis
The Lobos are competing for a Mountain West Conference title but has since plummeted in the college basketball standings. The Lobos have to be thankful February is over after they went 2-6 and were 2-4-2 against the spread during that stretch. There were some bad losses in there that may cost them a bid into the NCAA Tournament, too.
The Lobos have featured an elite offense in college basketball this season. They were 15th nationally in scoring 81.1 points per game and 13th in making 48.7% of field goal attempts.
From the perimeter, the Lobos converted 36.3% of 3-point shots, ranking 67th, and made 73.9% of free throw attempts, which ranks 94th. They also grabbed 33.9 rebounds per game, which was 58th.
Defensively, New Mexico was 261st in allowing 72.8 points per game. The Lobos were 130th in holding opponents to 43.0% on field goal attempts and 80th at limiting them to 32.1% on 3-point shots. The 30.9 rebounds per game allowed ranked 177th entering Friday.
A high-octane offense is led by a name familiar to many: Jamal Mashburn Jr. The star junior guard is averaging 19.4 points per game, while fellow guard Jaelen House adds 17.0 points per game, and forward Morris Udeze is scoring 16.1 points per game.
Key Injuries
The college basketball injury report shows the Lobos will be without guards Emmanuel Kuac (leg) and Braden Appelhans (thumb) for the season. Center Sebastian Forsling (elbow) is out indefinitely with no timetable for his return.
Betting Trends to Know
The Lobos have been good and would make for good March Madness bets if they make the tournament, sporting a 14-12-3 record against the spread and 18-10-1 on over/unders. They are also 5-5 straight up on the road.
New Mexico is 9-10-1 against the spread as a favorite and 0-2 against the spread as a favorite of 2.5 points or less. The Lobos are 0-3-0 against the spread on the road against a team with a losing record.
Colorado State Rams Performance Recap and Analysis
Colorado State seemingly could not find a rhythm in February after alternating wins and losses to a 3-4 record for the month, which included a 4-3 record against the spread. The Rams are not an NCAA Tournament team unless they make a run in the conference tournament next week.
The Rams have been better on the offensive end. They scored 72.4 points per game, which ranks 165th nationally, and were 12th in making 49.0% of field goal attempts and 76th in making 36.0% of 3-point shots. The offense has been efficient and included a 73.8% free throw rate, which is 98th. But they only secured 28.1 rebounds per game, ranking 337th.
Defensively is where the Rams’ struggles lie. They were 222nd in allowing 71.4 points per game, 253rd in allowing 44.8% of field goal attempts, and 340th in allowing 37.0% of 3-point shots.
Senior Isaiah Stevens is the leading scorer at 18.0 points per game, followed by John Tonje at 14.0 points per game and forward Patrick Cartier at 12.4 points per game.
Key Injuries
The Rams previously lost forward Kyle Evans for the season due to a thumb injury. Guard Josiah Strong is out indefinitely, battling an illness.
Betting Trends to Know
Colorado State is 11-18 against the spread but 17-11-1 on over/unders. The Rams are 8-7 straight up at home. They are 4-10 against the spread as underdogs, including a 2-1 record when underdogs of 2.5 points or fewer. They are 2-6 against the spread at home against teams with a winning record.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Colorado State Rams Betting Picks
Finally, here are our New Mexico Lobos vs Colorado State Rams picks:
Moneyline
We will take the Lobos -110. They have one of the most efficient offenses, and if they can dictate the pace, they have a great defense to exploit, even though the Rams have depth and are efficient offensively.
Spread
New Mexico -2. There is not much separation with the line, so we will hope that there isn’t a late backdoor cover on an inspired senior night effort.
Over/Under Total
We will go over 156.5 points as both teams are highly efficient on the offensive end and liked to score and allow points in most games this season.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Colorado State Rams Score Predictions
And now for our final New Mexico Lobos vs Colorado State Rams picks. Barring any late injuries to their college basketball players, this is not a game that New Mexico should or can afford to lose. It may be close late, but they should pull ahead.
- Mountain West Pick: New Mexico 83, Colorado State 76
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