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Thunderbirds Look to Soar Over Aggies: Betting Predictions for December 16
As the Southern Utah Thunderbirds prepare to take on the New Mexico State Aggies at the Pan American Center on Monday, December 16, basketball fans and bettors alike are eager to see how these teams stack up. Below, we break down the key stats, players, and trends, providing fresh insights and betting advice for this exciting matchup.
New Mexico State Aggies: Can They Bounce Back?
The New Mexico State Aggies enter the game with a 4-6 record, fresh off a tough 67-91 loss against Texas. The Aggies have struggled against the spread (3-6) and have a mixed over/under record (5-4). However, their 2-1 home record suggests they’re more competitive at the Pan American Center.
Key Statistics for New Mexico State:
- Offense: The Aggies average 72.5 points per game (251st nationally).
- Defense: They allow 74.3 points per game, placing them 258th.
- Shooting: With a field goal percentage of 41.4% (320th), shooting efficiency remains a concern.
- Rebounding: A silver lining, the Aggies grab 41.1 rebounds per game, ranking 27th in the nation.
Player Spotlight:
- Christian Cook: Leads the Aggies with 14.1 points per game.
- Robert Carpenter: Contributes 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, anchoring their interior presence.
Upcoming tough matchups against Sam Houston and UTEP mean the Aggies must use this game to build momentum.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds: Ready to Take Flight
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds boast an 8-3 record, though they too are recovering from a lopsided 66-102 loss to Arizona. On the road, they are 1-3, highlighting the challenges they face away from home.
Key Statistics for Southern Utah:
- Offense: Averaging 78.5 points per game (128th nationally), their offense is more potent than the Aggies’.
- Defense: They allow 71.7 points per game, ranked 200th.
- Shooting: Their field goal percentage of 45.5% (170th) reflects better shooting efficiency compared to their opponents.
- Rebounding: With 40.2 rebounds per game (45th), they dominate the boards.
Player Spotlight:
- Jamir Simpson: The standout scorer with 16.6 points per game, also adds 4.4 rebounds.
- Dominique Ford: A reliable second option, averaging 13.7 points per game.
With upcoming games against UTRGV and Northern Arizona, the Thunderbirds aim to solidify their strong start to the season.
Betting Trends and Key Insights
Why New Mexico State Might Prevail:
- Strong performance against non-conference opponents, with 20 wins in their last 22 games at home.
- Consistent first-half dominance in night games, winning 15 of their last 16 in such scenarios.
Why Southern Utah Has the Edge:
- Superior offensive and defensive numbers, scoring six more points and allowing 2.6 fewer points per game.
- Excellent rebounding capabilities, which could neutralize the Aggies’ strength on the boards.
- Historical dominance, winning both previous matchups against New Mexico State, including a commanding 111-76 victory last season.
Thunderbirds vs. Aggies: Prediction
New Mexico State opens as a -5.5 home favorite, but the numbers suggest the value lies with the Thunderbirds. Southern Utah’s balanced offense and strong rebounding make them a formidable road team. Conversely, the Aggies’ struggles with shooting efficiency (41.4%) could be their Achilles’ heel.
Prediction: Southern Utah Thunderbirds cover the spread (+5.5).
Insights
What time is the Southern Utah vs. New Mexico State game?
The game is scheduled for Monday, December 16, at 7:00 PM MT at the Pan American Center.
Who has the better offense, Southern Utah or New Mexico State?
Southern Utah outperforms New Mexico State offensively, averaging 78.5 points per game compared to the Aggies’ 72.5.
What are the betting trends for Southern Utah?
Southern Utah is 4-4 against the spread this season and has covered in both previous matchups against New Mexico State.
What’s the best bet for this game?
Taking the Southern Utah Thunderbirds to cover the spread at +5.5 offers the best value, given their superior stats and past performance.
Are there any key injuries to watch for?
As of now, there are no major injury concerns for either team, but bettors should confirm closer to game time.
