In this article, we will formulate a New Mexico State vs Southern Utah prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, December 16th at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
New Mexico State Aggies Betting Preview
The New Mexico State Aggies are 4-6 this year after they lost to Texas by a score of 91-67 in their last game. New Mexico State trailed 52-27 at halftime, but they did score 40 points in the second half in the loss. The Aggies shot 44.6% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 84.6% on free throws in the game. Christian Cook led New Mexico State with 22 points and four rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Aggies defeated New Mexico by a score of 89-83 but did lose the five games before that. New Mexico State has scored 73.9 points per game and they have allowed 75.8 points per game, while also averaging 40.2 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game this season. Christian Cook is averaging 14.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, while NMSU is shooting 42.3% from the field, 64.7% on free throws, and 34% on three-pointers this year. New Mexico State will face Sam Houston, LA Tech, and UTEP following this one.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds Betting Preview
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds are 8-3 this season after they lost to Arizona by a score of 102-66 in their last game. Southern Utah trailed 55-23 at halftime, but they did play better in the second half in the loss. The Thunderbirds shot 37.5% from the field, 35.7% on three-pointers, and 53.3% on free throws in the game. Jamir Simpson led Southern Utah with 21 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Thunderbirds defeated a non-D-1 team by a score of 90-55 and Cal State Bakersfield by a score of 74-64. Southern Utah has scored 78.3 points per game and they have allowed 71.7 points per game, while also averaging 40.2 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game this season. Jamir Simpson is averaging 16.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Southern Utah is shooting 45.5% from the field, 71.8% on free throws, and 33.9% on three-pointers this year. Southern Utah will meet UTRGV, Northern Arizona, and Grand Canyon after this game.
Why Southern Utah will beat New Mexico State
- New Mexico State has lost six of its last seven games.
- Southern Utah has won eight of its last 10 night games.
- Southern Utah has won the first half in eight of its last 10 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Southern Utah’s last four night games has produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
- Eighteen of New Mexico State’s last 21 night games against the Western Athletic Conference at Pan American Center have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- New Mexico State ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (29.3).
- New Mexico State ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (19.5).
- Southern Utah ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (66.7).
- Southern Utah ranks T21st among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.7).
New Mexico State vs Southern Utah Prediction
New Mexico State comes into this game after losing six of their last seven games, but they will be at home for this game. The Aggies are only shooting 42.3% from the field and their defense is allowing nearly 76 points per game. Southern Utah has won three of their last five games and their three losses this season have come against Arizona, UCLA, and Loyola. The Thunderbirds have been the better team when looking at the statistics and even with them being on the road, I will take them with the points.