New Mexico vs Boise State Prediction & Best Bets (MWC Quarterfinals): Lobos Face Make-or-Break Matchup in Vegas

It’s win or another year of March Sadness time for the New Mexico Lobos, who take on Boise State tonight in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West tournament (11:30 pm ET, CBS Sports Network).

The sixth-seeded Lobos (23-9, 10-8 Mountain West) opened their Sin City stay with an 82-56 win over #11 seed Air Force last night. It was just their fifth win in their last 11 games, a run that has seen them go from a likely NCAA Tournament team to on the outside looking in.

This is the second straight season that the Lobos have found themselves in this position. Last season, they started 18-3 but lost 8 of 11 to miss out on the Big Dance.

This season, they started 19-3 and were in a strong position to finally be in the field of 68 for the first time since 2014, but they haven’t been able to sustain a strong start once again.

However, all hope is not lost, and depending on what happens elsewhere, a win over the third-seeded Broncos (22-9, 13-5 Mountain West) could very well be enough to get them into the field, even if they fall to either #2 Nevada or #7 Colorado State in the semis tomorrow.

New Mexico vs Boise State Odds

Odds are via BetOnline, a longtime fixture in the sports betting industry. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then grab yourself a nice sign-up bonus to bet on today’s NCAA basketball action.

Spread

• New Mexico pk (-110)
• Boise State pk (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 153.5 (-110)
• Under 153.5 (-110)

Looking for more men’s college hoops picks? Our NCAA basketball picks page features moneyline, spread, and total (over/under) picks for all of the top games each day.

New Mexico vs Boise State Betting Analysis and Prediction

If tonight’s game is like most of New Mexico’s Mountain West games this season, two things will tell the tale.

The Lobos are 33^rd nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, and they have allowed an average of 67.9 points per game in their 11 Mountain West wins this season. In those 11 wins, they have given up 70 or fewer points seven times.

However, in their eight losses, they have allowed an average of 82.5 PPG. In each of those eight losses, they have given up at least 76 points and allowed 80+ points six times.

That includes their two losses to the Broncos, an 86-78 loss in Albuquerque on January 31 and an 89-79 loss in Boise on March 2.

Those two losses highlight the other thing that will tell the tale.

In their 11 Mountain West wins, the Lobos have averaged 85.1 PPG and have scored 80+ points eight times. In their eight losses, they have averaged only 75.9 PPG and scored 80+ points just once, in their 87-85 loss at Utah State to end the regular season.

Which side of the Lobos will we see tonight? As we saw with Seton Hall versus St. John’s, almost saw with Utah State versus Fresno State, and could see with Marquette versus Villanova, beating a team three times in one season is no easy task. With that in mind, I’m leaning towards the Lobos here. If they play like they are capable of playing, they can beat the Broncos and almost anyone else.

New Mexico vs Boise State Best Bets

New Mexico pk & New Mexico/Boise State over 153.5

Other NCAA Basketball Betting Information

Where Can You Bet on NCAA Basketball?

Throughout the college basketball season, you can find NCAA basketball odds at the top online sports betting sites. That includes prominent names like BetDSI, BetOnline, BetUS, and Bovada.

Along with game odds, many sportsbooks offer men’s and women’s March Madness futures odds, Final Four odds, Wooden Award odds, and more.

If you are unfamiliar with any of these sites, check out our sportsbook reviews to learn more about them. Our reviews analyze available betting options, deposit and payout options, mobile and live betting, and the sportsbook sign-up bonuses and other promos offered.

• BetDSI Sportsbook Review
• BetOnline Sportsbook Review
• BetUS Sportsbook Review
• Bovada Sportsbook Review
• MyBookie Sportsbook Review

Interested in Learning More About Betting on NCAA Basketball?

If you are interested in learning more about betting on NCAA basketball, check out our college basketball betting guide. It covers the basics of wagering on the action from the Mountain West to the MAAC and beyond.

• College Basketball Betting Guide: How to Bet on NCAA Basketball in 2024

Also, check out our March Madness guide, and learn valuable March Madness betting tips, where you can find the best March Madness bracket challenges, who the Final Four favorites are, and much more.

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Will New Mexico and Boise State both be in the tournament field for the $200,000 Bracket Madness contest at BetOnline? Selection Sunday and the start of the contest aren’t until Sunday, March 17, but the contest is now open for entry fees. In the meantime, you can take advantage of their 100% cryptocurrency welcome bonus and build your bankroll for March Madness.