The Texas Southern Tigers and New Mexico Lobos meet Monday in college basketball action at The Pit. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Texas Southern Tigers Betting Preview

The Texas Southern Tigers won 14 games last season but have managed to make the NCAA Tournament in each of the last 3 years. Texas Southern has managed to win less than 20 games in each of the last 4 years. PJ Henry returns after averaging 12.4 points and 1.8 rebounds, while Zytarious Mortle averaged 7.9 points and 0.9 assists. Kehlin Farooq played in 550 minutes last season, and Kolby Granger averaged 2.7 rebounds. The Texas Southern Tigers lost their two best players in Davon Barnes and John Walker III, but the depth comes back, and it makes them a contender yet again in the SWAC. Again, Texas Southern finds itself in contention year after year regardless of the roster, so don’t write this group off until March.

New Mexico Lobos Betting Preview

The New Mexico Lobos won 22 games last season and enter the third year under coach Richard Pitino. New Mexico still hasn’t made the big dance since the 2013-14 season. Jamal Mashburn Jr. returns after averaging 19.1 points and 3.2 rebounds, while Jaelen House averaged 16.9 points and 4.7 assists. Sebastian Forsling played in 139 minutes last season, and Donovan Dent averaged 2 rebounds. The New Mexico Lobos lost a lot of their depth from last season, but Mashburn and House were their two-best players, so that’s encouraging. New Mexico lands Iona transfer Nelly Joseph, which is a massive pickup. Also, Tru Washington and Jadyn Toppin are two incoming 4-star recruits. I don’t think it’s crazy to say this is the most talented New Mexico team we’ve seen in a while, and a berth to the big dance isn’t out of the question. 

Randy’s Pick

The Texas Southern Tigers are a program that knows how to compete when they have to, and this is a big spot where they tend to show up. However, the New Mexico Lobos are as talented as they’ve been in recent memory, and they’re kind of poised for a breakout season. New Mexico is a team I’ll be watching very closely and have decent expectations for. I’m laying the points with the Lobos, a talented bunch that could make a run.