In a world where the Blue Bloods are considered the best NCAA basketball teams, many teams in the Mountain West Conference are having great years. These mid-major schools are proving that anything can happen come March. These teams will certainly not have the best odds to win March Madness, but do not forget about those mid-majors.
The New Mexico Lobos (19-5, 6-5 MWC) are traveling to Clune Arena to take on the Air Force Falcons (12-13, 3-9 MWC). This conference is stacked, with six different teams having 16 or more wins so far this season. Friday night, the Lobos and Falcons look to end their losing streaks and finish the latter half of the season on a high note. Stay tuned for our New Mexico vs Air Force prediction.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Air Force Falcons Matchup Information
New Mexico Lobos vs Air Force Falcons
Location: Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, CO.
Date and Time: Friday, February 10, 2023, 7:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: CBS Sports Network
New Mexico Lobos vs. Air Force Falcons Odds
New Mexico Lobos
Moneyline: -250
Spread: -6½ (-110)
Over/Under: 74½ (-115) team total, 142 (-110) game total
Air Force Falcons
Moneyline: +205
Spread: +6½ (-110)
Over/Under: 68 (-115) team total, 142 (-110) game total
Recent Scores
Friday night marks the second time the New Mexico Lobos and Air Force Falcons have faced off this season. Round one went the way of the Lobos by a score of 81-73. At the time, New Mexico was ranked 25th in the country and barely snuck by the pesky Falcons.
The New Mexico Lobos odds were high at the time of this matchup, yet they failed to cover the -12.5 spread. The game went over the posted total of 141½. Does this impact your New Mexico vs Air Force prediction in any way?
New Mexico Lobos vs. Air Force Falcons Analysis
When it comes to the Mountain West Conference, there is no such thing as an easy game, especially on the road. It is an action-packed day of basketball on Friday night, and the New Mexico Lobos and Air Force Falcons are one of many exciting NCAA basketball games today.
Slowing Down After a Strong Start
New Mexico has since slowed down after their miraculous undefeated start to the season. Believe it or not, all of New Mexico’s losses have come in conference play. That just shows how you cannot take any Mountain West game on the NCAAB schedule lightly. New Mexico is looking for a season sweep over the Air Force basketball team.
Both teams played very well at The Pit in January, even though the NCAAB odds were heavily in favor of the Lobos. It was a very balanced effort from both sides, as each team had multiple double-digit scorers. Rytis Petraitis led the way with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists for the Falcons. Ethan Taylor scored 17 points and 5 assists to accompany his teammate. For the Lobos, it was the Jamal Mashburn Jr. show, as the junior scored 24 points in the victory.
New Mexico is 2-3 in their last five games, with their last win coming against none other than Air Force on January 27. The Lobos have dominated on the moneyline at 19-5 and are also very respectable against the spread at 12-10-1. They are an impressive 14-8 in the over/under. Recent trends show that the Lobos have only covered once and their last five games, but the under has not hit since January 17.
Beware the Struggling Falcons
Air Force may be struggling and are nowhere close to the top of the college basketball standings, but they should not be taken lightly. Losers of their last six games, the Falcons are trying to get back to .500 on the season.
Look out, as the Falcons may not have the best college basketball players in the nation, but they are a very good 15-10 against the spread. They are tied with San Jose State for the most wins against the spread in the conference and are 13-12 in the over/under.
When it comes to the college basketball injury report, the Falcons have two players listed. Nikc Jackson (yes, that is how it is spelled) is out with an illness and Lucas Moerman is out for the season with a shoulder injury. For the Lobos, both Braden Appelhans and Emmanuel Kuac are listed as out.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Air Force Falcons Betting Pick and Prediction
Pick 1: When making your NCAAB picks, take New Mexico -6½ (-110). The New Mexico Lobos will win with ease against the Air Force Falcons. Finally, it is time to give our New Mexico vs Air Force prediction. The offensive firepower of New Mexico is hard to contain, and head coach Richard Pitino is having a great season with the Lobos.
The three-headed monster of Jamal Washburn Jr., Morris Udeze and Jaelen House will present fits for the Air Force defense. These three guys each average over 15 points per game.
Pick 2: Take the Air Force team total over 68 (-115). Their offense was hot on the road in their first matchup, and now, they have home court advantage. Expect a shootout, and the Falcons to score at least 70 in a high-scoring affair.
With only one player averaging over 10 points per game, other guys are going to have to step up. The beauty of the Falcons is that you never know who will be the shining star, so they are very hard to prepare for.
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