New Mexico vs UCLA Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/8/24

The New Mexico Lobos are visiting the UCLA Bruins on Friday, November 8th at the Lee’s Family Forum. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a New Mexico Lobos vs. UCLA Bruins Prediction.

UCLA Bruins Preview

The UCLA Bruins are coming off a mediocre 16-17 season, finishing 7th in the Big Ten with a 10-10 conference record. The Bruins had a 9-7 home record but were below average on the road, with a 5-6 record. UCLA was 14-16-1 against the spread and 13-18 in over/under.

In their season opener on Monday, the Bruins won Rider at home, 85-50. UCLA managed to cover the -22-point spread and the game went under the 140-point total. The Bruins’ 85 points were 140th in the nation, while their 50 points allowed were the 32nd-best in the nation. UCLA shot an effective 52% from the field, while playing great defense and holding Rider in just 32% from the field.

Junior forward Tyler Bilodeau led UCLA’s offense with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Dylan Andrews followed with 14 points and a team-high 6 assists. UCLA will meet Boston U after this game.

New Mexico Lobos Preview

The New Mexico Lobos are coming off a strong 26-10 season, finishing 6th in the Mountain West with a 10-8 conference record. New Mexico had a dominating 13-3 home record and a 5-6 road record. New Mexico was 19-11 ATS and 18-12 in over/under.

In their season opener on Monday, the Lobos won Nicholls State at home, 91-84. New Mexico failed to cover the -18-point spread and the game went over the 151.5-point total. The Lobos’ 91 points scored were top-100 in the nation (97th), while their 84 points allowed were just 294th. New Mexico did not shoot the ball very well, with just 38% from the field and 19% from downtown, while Nicholls State shot by 42% and 41%. The Lobos were very focused in this game, as they committed just 8 turnovers, while forcing Nicholls State to twice as many (16).

Senior forward led the Lobos with a dominating performance. He had a game-highs in points scored with 28 and in rebounding with 16, for a monster double double. Junior forward Donovan Dent added 15 points and a game-high 11 assists.

Why the UCLA Bruins will win

• UCLA has won seven of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• New Mexico has lost three of its last four night games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• UCLA has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Why the New Mexico Lobos will win

• New Mexico has won each of its last 10 night games against non-Conference opponents.
• UCLA has lost each of its last three night games played at neutral venues.
• New Mexico has won the first half in each of its last 10 night games against non-Conference opponents.

New Mexico Lobos vs UCLA Bruins Prediction

In this New Mexico Lobos vs. UCLA Bruins Prediction, UCLA is coming as a -6.5-point home favorite. UCLA is projected at an elite #17 in the nation this season, while New Mexico is projected at #70. New Mexico is coming off a strong opener and saw two of their players having incredible performances. The difference between those two teams might not be as big as this line indicates. I expect a closer game, so I’m taking the New Mexico Lobos to cover the spread on the road.