The college basketball schedule on Friday night is pretty small, but there is a massive game set to take place in the Mountain West Conference. A pair of NCAA Tournament teams will meet as the New Mexico Lobos visit the San Diego State Aztecs.
New Mexico is coming into this game with an overall record of 20-5 on the year, but they have been struggling of late. The Lobos have gone just 2-2 in their last four games, and playing away from home has been an issue.
San Diego State has gone 3-1 in their last four games, and that has kept them in the conference race. The Aztecs are sitting at 19-6 on the year, and they have spent some time in the Top 25 this season.
San Diego State is a 6.5-point betting favorite in this game, and the over/under is set at 152.5 total points.
Lobos Love to Run
The New Mexico Lobos have been a tough team to defend this season as they are scoring over 83 points per game. That high-scoring average isn’t an accident, as this team is looking to push the pace when they get the basketball.
Guard Jaelen House is leading the way with 15.6 points per game this season, but there are some great shooters on this team. If New Mexico is able to get some momentum on offense then they will put a ton of pressure on the Aztecs.
Getting stops on defense hasn’t always been a strength of this team, and that is going to be something that has to change on the road.
Aztecs Are Physical
The San Diego State Aztecs are an extremely physical team, and forward Jaedon LeDee is leading the way with 20.3 points per game. LeDee likes to set the tone in the paint for this team, but SDSU just plays a physical brand of basketball all over.
The Aztecs are scoring just 75.6 points per game this season, but that is typically more than enough offense. San Diego State limits opponents to just 66.8 points per game, and their length really bothers other teams.
Establishing a slower pace of play is going to be a huge goal for San Diego State on Friday night as they are looking for another big win.
Lobos Lose Close Game
Both of these teams are sitting in a tie for second place in the Mountain West Conference, and this is a massive game. San Diego State has the big advantage of hosting this game, but New Mexico has won some tough road games already.
The Lobos will be looking to push the tempo in this game, but it just won’t be easy to do against a team like the Aztecs. This game is going to be played at a slow place, and that is also going to keep the score extremely tight.
Take the 6.5 points in this game as neither team will be able to pull away, but ultimately San Diego State is going to come through with a win at home.
