New Mexico State Aggies vs Liberty Flames NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/18/25
The Aggies and Flames are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Flames will host the game at Liberty Arena in Lynchburg, VA. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 131.5 points, and Liberty is favored by -7.5 to win at home against New Mexico State.
NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES VS LIBERTY FLAMES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Liberty Flames -7.5
This game will be played at Liberty Arena at 7:00 ET on Saturday, January 18th.
WHY BET THE LIBERTY FLAMES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 81-66 in favor of the Flames.
- Not only will Liberty pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -7.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 131.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Are New Mexico State Ready for a Road Win?
New Mexico State improved to 8-6 on the season with a 59-52 road win over FIU on Thursday. The Aggies entered the game as -3.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game were 111, falling well below the O/U line of 142.5.
New Mexico State led 28-26 at halftime and outscored FIU 31-26 in the second half to secure the win. The Aggies’ defense played a key role in holding FIU to just 52 points.
In their last game, New Mexico State’s offense managed just 59 points, shooting 40.8% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.9%, with a 41.2% mark on two-point attempts and 40% from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of 15 threes.
The Aggies struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 59.1% of their 22 attempts. They recorded 10 offensive rebounds and 10 assists. Vianney Salatchoum, Jayden Brewer, Zawdie Jackson, and Dionte Bostick each scored 13 points, with Bostick hitting 2 of 2 from three-point range.
New Mexico State’s defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 52 points on 35% shooting. They limited two-point attempts to 41% (17/41).
From beyond the arc, the Aggies were even more effective, allowing only 2 threes on 13 attempts (15%). They also sent their opponent to the line 17 times, where they made 12 (70%).
Will the Flames Win at Liberty Arena?
Liberty Flames Recent Game/Games
Liberty’s season record fell to 11-4 after a 72-70 home loss to UTEP on Thursday. The Flames were -8 favorites going into the game but failed to cover the spread.
The game was tied 31-31 at halftime, and Liberty scored 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 41. The combined points of 142 went over the O/U line of 134.5.
Liberty’s offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 46.2% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range, hitting 11 of 28 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 57.7%, and they connected on 11 of 17 free throws, shooting 64.7% from the line.
Taelon Peter led the way with 20 points, hitting 3 of 6 from deep, while Kaden Metheny added 17 points, shooting 75% overall and from three. Liberty recorded 19 assists, with Corey Camper Jr. dishing out 7, despite shooting just 33.3% from the field.
Liberty’s defense gave up 72 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 46% from the field. They allowed 54% shooting on two-point attempts, as the other team went 13/24 inside the arc.
From three-point range, Liberty’s defense saw the other team hit 11/28, good for 39%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 11, shooting 64%. Liberty limited the damage on the boards, giving up just 4 offensive rebounds.