New Mexico vs. Boise State: Game Preview, How To Stream, Odds, More

Can the Lobso win vs the Broncos?

Every game is important for UNM

Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Stream: For free with a FuboTV free trial
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Venue: The Pit

The New Mexico Lobos (18-3, 6-2 MWC) aim to extend their five-game winning streak as they face the Boise State Broncos (14-6, 5-2 MWC) at The Pit on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:30 pm ET.

New Mexico boasts a 15-5-0 record against the spread this season, surpassing Boise State’s 9-10-1 ATS performance.

Regarding over/under outcomes, the Lobos’ games are 10-10-0, while the Broncos stand at 11-9-0. Over the past ten games, New Mexico has shown strength with a 7-3 record against the spread and an 8-2 overall performance.

In their second week in the AP Top 25 basketball poll, UNM Lobos, led by Richard Pitino, ascended six spots.

On Monday, New Mexico (18-3, 6-2) rose six places to claim the No. 19 spot, surpassing teams like Florida Atlantic, Dayton, BYU, and Oklahoma, the latter dropping 12 places from No. 11 to No. 23.

This climb is attributed to their impressive five-game winning streak in the Mountain West, where they have convincingly defeated all opponents by double-digit margins.

For example, New Mexico’s defense has been a crucial factor in their success throughout the season, and it seems to be improving with each game.

Sunday’s game against Nevada was particularly impressive. They limited Nevada to a 34% field goal percentage, preventing any Wolf Pack players from scoring in double digits. Jarod Lucas and Kenan Blackshear were held to just 9 points each.

In addition to their climb in the rankings, the Lobos dominated the weekly league awards, and this is the highest ranking for the New Mexico Lobos since 2013-14

For the first time since 2011-2012, they have won five straight MW games by a margin of at least 10 points.

In yesterday’s press conference, Boise State head coach Leon Rice commented in regards to playing the Lobos in the PIT: “It got to be one of the top five venues, it’s loud in there, there’s that, and now you have a good team playing like they are playing.”

“You saw the numbers they are doing down there, to good teams…no one can argue, San Diego State, Utah State, and Nevada are really good teams, and they just got “blitzkrieged” down there.”

The latest triumph for the Lobos was a resounding 89-55 victory over Nevada on Sunday night, marking a 34-point surge.

While the team appreciates its ranking, it focuses on other metrics contributing to the NCAA Tournament field determination.

Currently sitting at number 19 in the Kenpom rankings, UNM guard Jaelen House acknowledges the significance of Kenpom but emphasizes that the team’s primary focus is on their performance rather than rankings.

Among Mountain West teams, Utah State is the only other squad in the AP Top 25, holding the 17th position.

On Monday, Utah State secured the No. 17 spot in both the AP and coach’s polls, maintaining its position as the premier team in the Mountain West Conference alongside New Mexico, which moved up to the 19th spot.

Following a hard-fought 90-84 overtime victory against the Broncos (14-6, 5-2 MW), the Aggies inched up one spot in the AP poll.

With an overall record of 18-2 and a conference play at 6-1, Utah State proudly leads the league standings as they prepare for a Tuesday showdown against San Jose State (8-12, 1-6). The Aggies have now held their place in both polls for four consecutive weeks.

Remember that New Mexico defeated Utah State in the PIT on January 16, 99-86, so the rematch will happen on March 9 and promises to be a barn burner.

Boise State faces a challenging schedule with consecutive matchups against top-20 opponents, starting with a game in Albuquerque on Wednesday at 8:30 pm MT on Fox Sports 1.

The Lobos, currently the standout team in the Mountain West, have been averaging an impressive 91.2 points per game during their five-game winning streak.

Each player seems to have learned their role under head coach Richard Pitino, and they are playing with high confidence that any person who has watched them play would agree.

Looking ahead in Mountain West play, Utah State’s schedule is marked by two significant matchups against San Diego State (February 3) and a rematch with Boise State (February 10), along with games against Colorado State (February 17) and New Mexico (March 9).

Boise State faces a challenging schedule with consecutive matchups against top-20 opponents, starting with a game in Albuquerque on Wednesday at 8:30 pm MT on Fox Sports 1.

Notably, New Mexico outranks both San Diego State (16-4, 5-2) and Utah State in the NET rankings and holds the top spot in the Mountain West at No. 19 on KenPom.

Anticipate an exhilarating late-night showdown in the PIT in Albuquerque as the Mountain West rivals clash.

The home-court advantage bodes well for New Mexico, with oddsmakers favoring the Lobos due to their impressive performance on both ends of the court, showcasing strong defensive and offensive capabilities.

The upcoming battle between the Broncos and the Lobos is poised to deliver an exciting game, especially as Boise seeks a crucial road victory against a formidable opponent in New Mexico.

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