Multiple times each week, The Gaming Juice’s resident action seeker, Brad Evans, will attempt to blast the ‘books with his favorite selections on sides, totals, props, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — but that’s up to you.
Pick: New Mexico +6.5 vs. San Diego State (-110, MGM)
Respect the Mountain West Conference. It’s entirely conceivable that six teams could represent the league in this year’s NCAA Tournament, a not-so-fearless forecast supported by a No. 7 standing in KenPom’s conference power rankings.
MWC play is rock solid, highly entertaining and ghoulishly fun to wager on. That’s why this ninnyhammer can’t resist the action, whether it’s Air Force, Fresno State or a nationally televised marquee contest on a light night featuring a pair of teams destined for the Big Dance.
New Mexico doesn’t mind sleepovers at the Holiday Inn Express. The orange juice and blueberry muffins in the morning apparently hit the spot. Maybe that’s the reason why the Lobos are 5-3 straight up away from Albuquerque.
Richard Pitino’s club moves on offense. Over the past 30 days, New Mexico is the nation’s sixth-fastest team, checking in at an outstanding No. 38 in eFG offense.
Tremendous on the offensive glass and from 3-point range (37.8 3PT% last month), the Lobos are rarely boat-raced. They trot out one of the finest backcourt duos with Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr., and they’re better than advertised defensively, especially when extending to the perimeter (29.6 3PT% D). Bottom line, New Mexico is no pushover.
As for Brian Dutcher’s Aztecs, they’re equally frightful. Though not as spectacular defensively compared to the Kawhi Leonard teams of yesteryear or last year’s Final Four participant, SDSU does rank No. 52 in eFG defense among college teams playing at home.
On offense, the Aztecs aren’t lights out, but they have converted 54.2 percent inside the arc since Feb. 15. Additionally, they haven’t tripped up inside Viejas Arena, sporting an impeccable 10-0 mark.
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee checks in at No. 4 in KenPom’s Player of the Year standings for multiple reasons. Just look at his musculature. The man never throws a stiff arm at a protein shake. However, he is only one dude.
The Lobos simply have several guys who are wired to score. Throw in New Mexico’s road warrior mentality, and this bettor comes to a conclusion.
Season record: 0-1, -1.10 units (Screw you, Captain Hook! I had Rutgers -3.5.)
BONUS TIME: VCU -5 at Saint Louis (-105, DraftKings)