The New Mexico Lobos enter Wednesday’s home game riding a five-game winning streak with each win by double figures but host a Boise State Broncos team that at 14-6, is in search of a big win for their resume.
Boise State Broncos vs. New Mexico Lobos (-11, 152.5)
While the Boise State offense ranks 158th in the nation in points scored on a per-possession basis, the team is doing the little things to keep games close.
When playing away from home, Boise State is allowing opponents to grab only 18.1% of their missed shots as an offensive rebound, good for the third-best road defensive rebound percentage in the nation.
While the buzz around New Mexico since Richard Pitino became coach has mostly been geared toward its offense, the defense has found the most efficiency. New Mexico ranks 12th in points allowed on a per-possession basis while ranking 33rd in points scored on a per-possession basis.
The perimeter also figures to be off-limits for New Mexico with the way Boise State has guarded the 3-point arc, allowing opponents to shoot just 28.8% from 3-point range, which ranks 11th in the nation.
Overall, Boise State ranks 61st in points allowed on a per-possession basis when playing on the road. Also, it plays an aggressive style that involves a fair amount of fouling with 20% of its points allowed coming from free throws, which ranks 119th out of 362 Division I teams in the highest percent of points allowed coming from free throws.
With New Mexico ranked 256th in free throw shooting percentage at 69.6%, the Boise State defense will take New Mexico out of its normal flow and make this a bigger test than expected.
The Play: Boise State +11
