New Mexico vs Clemson Picks, Odds, and Predictions

Feb 6, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; New Mexico Lobos guard Jaelen House (10) reacts after a foul and made basket against Wyoming Cowboys guard Akuel Kot (13) during the second half at Arena-Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports#11 New Mexico plays #6 Clemson in the Round of 64 on FridayDespite being the No. 11 seed in the West region, New Mexico is favored over ClemsonSee below for New Mexico vs Clemson picks, odds, and predictions

Action in the West region of the March Madness bracket continues Friday with the #11 New Mexico Lobos (26-9 SU, 23-11 ATS) and #6 Clemson Tigers (21-11  SU, 17-14-1 ATS). Tip-off for this game takes place at FedExForum in Memphis, TN, at 3:10 pm ET. The winner of this matchup will take on the winner of #14 Colgate and #3 Baylor in the second round.

New Mexico won four games in four days to win the Mountain West Tournament as a No. 6 seed. The Lobos are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014. New Mexico has not made the round of 32 since 2012, when they defeated Long Beach State as a 5-seed.

Clemson had a solid season, finishing fifth in the ACC, but they faltered down the stretch. They lost two of their last three regular-season games, then lost to No. 11 seed Boston College in the ACC Tournament. The Tigers are making their first March Madness appearance since 2021, where they lost to Rutgers in the first round as a No. 7 seed.

New Mexico vs Clemson Odds

The college basketball odds have the No. 11 seed favored by 2.5 points in this matchup. This line has stayed at 2.5 since Selection Sunday. The O/U opened at 149.5 but has since moved up to 151.5 with both of these team’s ability to score points in a hurry. With -148 odds, the sportsbooks are giving New Mexico a 59.68% chance of pulling off the “upset”.

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New Mexico Betting Trends

New Mexico finished with a 26-9 record overall on their way to their Mountain West Tournament Championship. The Lobos were a bubble team but needed to win their conference tournament to feel comfortable on Selection Sunday. Now, just days later, they are favorites in a March Madness game.

The Lobos put together a 23-11 (67.7%) record against the spread this season. Not only did New Mexico win four games in four days, but they covered the spread in all of their Mountain West Tournament games. They have now covered in six straight games and are an unbelievable 8-0 against the spread when playing on a neutral court this year. New Mexico also knows how to get the job done when they are favorites, as the Lobos are 19-7 ATS as favorites.

New Mexico is ranked 22nd in overall efficiency at KenPom thanks to its balanced attack, strong defense, and fast tempo. The Lobos scored over 81 points per game this season. Senior guard Jaelen House can score from anywhere on the court and averaged 23 points in each Mountain West Tournament game. They are also very physical on the interior thanks to Forward JT Toppin who averaged 12.5 points and 9 rebounds per game. The Lobos attack the glass and are great at making teams uncomfortable on defense. New Mexico forces over 14 turnovers a game.

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Clemson Betting Trends

On their way to fifth place in the ACC, Clemson went 21-11 straight up and 17-14 against the spread. The Tigers have covered just once out of four neutral site games but are great as underdogs. Clemson is 6-1 against the spread as an underdog this year.

Clemson’s season has been up and down, and unfortunately for them, they are currently going down. They have lost three of their last four games, and they lost by 21 points to Boston College their last time on the court.

When things are clicking for Clemson, they score lights out. The Tigers rank 26th in adjusted offensive efficiency and put up over 77 points per game.

The offense goes through Center PJ Hall and Syracuse Transfer Joe Girard III. Hall averages over 18 points per game, while Girard scores over 15 a game. Girard is a threat from anywhere on the court as he is shooting 42.5% from behind the arc. When things are not going well for Clemson, it is likely due to the defense. Clemson is ranked 68th in adjusted defensive efficiency.

New Mexico vs Clemson Prediction

New Mexico is by far the hotter team heading into this tournament, and they match up against this Clemson team well. The Lobos are fast and physical which will cause fits for Clemson’s offense. Then New Mexico will have no problem scoring against the Tigers’ defense.

It certainly catches your eye when a No. 11 seed is the favorite in a March Madness game, but this line makes sense. The Lobos should move on to the Round of 32.

Pick: New Mexico -2.5 (-110)

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