VCU Rams vs New Mexico Lobos NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/18/24

Planning on watching today’s Rams and Lobos game? Catch the action at The Pit in Albuquerque, NM, as the Lobos hosts this showdown at 9:00 ET on MWN. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 152.5 points, and New Mexico is favored by -2.5 at home against VCU.

VCU RAMS VS NEW MEXICO LOBOS BETTING PICK

The Pick: New Mexico Lobos -2.5

This game will be played at The Pit at 9:00 ET on Wednesday, December 18th.

WHY BET THE NEW MEXICO LOBOS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-71 in favor of the Lobos.
• Not only will New Mexico pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.

Can the Rams Pull Out the Win as Road Underdogs?

VCU improved to 8-2 on the season with a 76-68 win over Colorado State on Saturday. Playing at home, the Rams entered the game as -6.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 144, surpassing the over/under line of 136.5.

After leading 33-32 at halftime, VCU pulled away in the second half, outscoring Colorado State 43-36 to secure the win.

Joe Bamisile’s 25 points and 9 rebounds in 25 minutes helped VCU to a 76-point outing, as he shot 50% from the field and 4/8 from three. Max Shulga added a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 3/5 from deep and 53.8% overall.

VCU connected on 11 threes, shooting 36.7% from beyond the arc and 43.9% overall, with an effective field goal percentage of 52.6%. They grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists, though they struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 60% of their attempts.

VCU’s defense gave up 68 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 43% from the field. They allowed 25 made baskets on 57 attempts.

From beyond the arc, VCU’s opponents hit 11 of 30 threes, shooting 36%. They also sent them to the line 25 times, where they made 15 free throws, shooting 60%.

Will the Lobos Win at Home?

New Mexico Lobos Recent Game/Games

The Lobos dropped to 7-3 on the season after an 89-83 home loss to New Mexico State on Saturday. Entering the game as -20.5 favorites, New Mexico not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 47-38 at halftime, the Lobos tightened up defensively in the second half, holding the Aggies to 26 points while scoring 35 themselves. However, it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback. The game’s total points of 172 exceeded the O/U line of 152.5.

New Mexico’s offense put up 83 points in their last game, despite shooting just 35.7% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.7%, and they struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 59.1% of their attempts. The Lobos were strong on the offensive glass, grabbing 23 rebounds, and they dished out 17 assists.

Christian Cook led the way with 27 points, hitting 6 of 9 threes and shooting 61.5% overall. Robert Carpenter added 20 points, making 6 of 12 from deep, while Dionte Bostick contributed 17 points and 8 rebounds. Nelly Junior Joseph also pulled down 17 boards, and Braden Appelhans was efficient off the bench, scoring 14 points on 5 of 7 shooting, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.

Despite giving up 89 points, New Mexico’s defense held their opponent to just 35% shooting from the field, with 30 made baskets on 84 attempts. They limited two-point shooting to 38%, with 20 makes on 52 attempts.

From beyond the arc, New Mexico allowed 10 threes on 32 attempts, a 31% shooting performance. Their opponent also went 13/22 from the free-throw line, shooting 59%. New Mexico gave up 23 offensive rebounds.