Sam Houston vs New Mexico Prediction 3/18/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Sam Houston vs New Mexico Prediction for this NIT 1st Round matchup on Wednesday, March 18^th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

New Mexico Lobos Preview

The New Mexico Lobos have a 23-10 overall record and a 13-7 record in the Mountain West conference. They are coming off a 64-62 loss against San Diego State and their previous three games were a 93-77 win against San Jose State, a 94-90 loss against Utah State and an 82-74 loss against Colorado State.

Offensively, New Mexico averages 80.5 points per game, while allowing 72.4 points per game defensively. The Lobos shoot with 46% from the field and grab 36.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.9 assists per game. They average 2.8 blocks per game and 7.9 steals per game defensively.

Jake Hall leads New Mexico in scoring, with an average of 16 points per game, while shooting with 48.3% from the field and 78.8% from the free throw line. Tomislav Buljan is the team’s leading rebounder with 10.4 per game. Deyton Albury leads the team in assists with 3 assists per game.

Sam Houston Bearkats Preview

The Sam Houston Bearkats have a 22-11 overall record and a 13-7 record in the CUSA conference. They are coming off a 79-73 loss against Kennesaw State and their previous three games were a 69-61 win against New Mexico State, a 79-72 loss against Liberty and an 83-80 loss against Delaware.

Offensively, Sam Houston averages 82.2 points per game, while allowing 71.9 points per game defensively. The Bearkats shoot with 46% from the field and grab 40.7 rebounds per game, while dishing out 15.3 assists per game. They average 2.8 blocks per game and 7.2 steals per game defensively.

Po’Boigh King leads Sam Houston in scoring, with an average of 14.1 points per game, while shooting with 41.9% from the field and 84.4% from the free throw line. Kashie Natt is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.3 per game, adding a team-high 2.4 assists.

Sam Houston State Bearkats @ New Mexico Lobos Betting Trends: March 18, 2026

Why the New Mexico Lobos will win

• New Mexico has won 17 of its last 18 games against non-Conference opponents at The Pit.
• Sam Houston State has lost three of its last four games.
• New Mexico has won the first half in 26 of its last 29 games against non-Conference opponents at The Pit.

Why the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win

• Sam Houston State has won each of its last nine Wednesday games.
• New Mexico has lost three of its last four games.
• Sam Houston State has won the first half in 13 of its last 15 games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Sam Houston State’s last eight road games have produced a total of 165 or fewer points.
• Ten of New Mexico’s last 11 games at The Pit have produced a total of 159 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• New Mexico ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (29.9%).
• New Mexico ranks 40th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+9.9).
• Sam Houston State ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (40.5).
• Sam Houston State ranks 23rd among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (62.7).

Sam Houston vs New Mexico Prediction

In this Sam Houston vs New Mexico Prediction, New Mexico is coming as -11.5 home favorites. Both teams have almost identical overall records this season but Sam Houston has been slightly better against the spread. Both teams have been struggling lately, as they are 1-3 in their last 4 games respectively and Sam Houston has a better offense this season and a slightly better defense, so there is value with them as double-digit road dogs in this matchup. Take Sam Houston and get the +11.5 points in this one.