Dan Johnson provides a detailed analysis and prediction for tonight’s college basketball showdown between the New Mexico Lobos and the Boise State Broncos. Set to take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Lobos hold a strong overall record of 18–5 and a 12–1 home record, making their arena, The Pit, a formidable venue for opponents. Meanwhile, the Broncos come into the match with a record of 14–9 and are looking to gain momentum after a much-needed overtime victory against Nevada.
New Mexico is coming off a tough defeat against Utah State, losing 86–66, which could fuel their determination to bounce back strongly. With a scoring average of 80.9 points per game and an impressive defense that limits opponents to 68.8 points, the Lobos have demonstrated effective possession management. They boast a solid +12 scoring margin and a notable ability to suppress their opponents’ shooting, with foes hitting just 40.8% from the field and 29.3% from beyond the arc.
On the other hand, Boise State has showcased its own offensive capabilities, averaging 78.7 points per game, but has struggled defensively, allowing opponents to shoot 45.7% overall and 35.3% from three-point range. The matchup pivots on the balance of turnovers and shot volume. New Mexico’s turnover margin stands at +3.2, while Boise operates at a negative margin of -0.9, which may be a crucial factor in tonight’s game, especially as the Lobos aim to capitalize on forced errors.
New Mexico’s performance is underlined by standout players such as Jake Hall, who scores an average of 15.3 points and excels from three-point territory, alongside Tomislav Buljan who averages a double-double with 12.6 points and 10.0 rebounds. For Boise, Drew Fielder and Andrew Meadow provide offensive firepower, and Dylan Andrews’ recent stellar performance indicates he will be a player to watch.
In terms of predictions, Johnson points out Boise Stage’s potential to pull off another upset against New Mexico following their earlier win earlier this season, where they prevailed 62–53. If the Broncos can replicate their success by dominating rebounds and capitalizing at the free-throw line, they could cover the spread. However, New Mexico’s strategic edge, particularly in creating turnovers and limiting three-point shooting, positions them favorably to control the game.
Johnson recommends betting on New Mexico -5.5, foreseeing the Lobos’ ability to dictate pace and limit Boise’s scoring opportunities. His final prediction leans towards a New Mexico victory with a score of 78 to 70, signifying both teams’ formidable traits while highlighting New Mexico’s home advantage.