New Mexico Lobos vs Air Force Falcons Betting Picks & Predictions

Game outlook

The New Mexico Lobos (15-3, 3-2 MWC) will face off against the Air Force Falcons (7-9, 0-4 MWC) in a Mountain West Conference matchup on Saturday. New Mexico is coming off a significant victory over #16 Utah State, while Air Force suffered a close loss in overtime to Colorado State. Both teams split their matchups last season. The game will take place at 4:00 EST in Colorado Springs and will be televised on CBSSN. New Mexico opens as the betting favorite at -11, and the line has not shifted.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Lobos -626 | Falcons +450

Spread: Lobos -11 (-110) | Falcons +11 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 142.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that New Mexico will win straight-up is 86%.

New Mexico Lobos

The New Mexico Lobos are currently on the bubble in terms of making the Big Dance, as they are listed as the "First Team Out" in Joe Lunardi's Bracketology. However, their recent victories against ranked opponents have greatly helped their chances. In their last two games, they defeated #19 San Diego State and #16 Utah State, with both games being played at home. Leading the way in the Utah State game was Nelly Junior Joseph, who contributed 26 points and eight rebounds. The Lobos have three guards who are all averaging over 15.0 PPG. Jamal Mashburn Jr., a 6'2 senior guard, leads the team with 15.9 PPG and has scored in double figures in all but one game this season. Jaelen House, a 6'0 senior guard, is the team's top shooter with 28 made threes on 38.0% shooting from deep. He also averages 15.5 PPG and 2.6 steals per game. Donovan Dent, a 6'2 sophomore point guard, contributes 15.1 PPG and leads the team in assists with 6.4 per game. In the frontcourt, 6'9 freshman JT Toppin averages 12.7 PPG and a team-high 7.9 RPG. According to KenPom, New Mexico is currently ranked 31st overall. They have a strong offensive efficiency ranking of 60th and an impressive defensive efficiency ranking of 28th. They play at a fast pace, as they are ranked 8th in tempo in the nation. In terms of injuries, guard Jemarl Baker Jr. is currently listed as questionable with an average of 5.6 PPG. With a power ranking of 62, New Mexico has a strong offense that averages 83.56 points per game, ranking them 23rd in the nation. Defensively, they allow an average of 69.33 points per game, placing them at #120. The Lobos shoot 47.18% from the field, 68.10% from the free-throw line, and 33.43% from three-point range. They excel at rebounding, averaging 39.67 per game, and also demonstrate strong offensive assists and turnover averages. Defensively, they hold opponents to 41.27% shooting from the field and 71.50% 🎥 Another ranked team left The Pit with an L. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/eUFZQcGmGy