Top-seeded New Mexico will host Sam Houston in the Albuquerque region’s opening game on Wednesday night.
The Lobos will be the best team Sam Houston has faced since the second game of the season. Five of the last six New Mexico opponents rank higher than the BearKats in the power rankings.
That’s why my Sam Houston vs. New Mexico predictions expect them to build on that momentum. Here are my college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 18.
Who will win Sam Houston vs New Mexico?
The Lobos have the stronger overall offense and defense by a fairly wide margin. Plus, they’re more battle tested against a significantly tougher schedule.
All that adds up to a New Mexico win. Now the double-digit point spread? That’s a different matter as I explain in my best bet below.
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Sam Houston vs New Mexico prediction
Sam Houston vs New Mexico best bet: Sam Houston +12.5 (-110)
Both teams are strong from three-point range, but this game could hinge on the battle inside, and Sam Houston can surprise New Mexico inside the arc. The 6-foot-10 Veljko Ilic averages 11.8 points and can hit in the paint as well as the long two.
He’ll be the biggest man on the floor for much of the game and can attack a Lobos defense that has allowed six of the last eight opponents to hit more than 55% of their two-point attempts.
It may not be enough to spring the upset, but Sam Houston should keep it close enough to cover.
COVERS INTEL: Sam Houston shot 21-of-37 (.568) from two in its last game and hit .507 from two in its last seven regular season games.Sam Houston vs New Mexico same-game parlay
Get ready to run in this one: Sam Houston plays at the No. 41 tempo and New Mexico is at No. 54. They’ve combined to go Over in 39 of 52 games this season. Both can hit from three and New Mexico’s defense can speed things up with turnovers to trigger the transition game.
Jake Hall was the Mountain West freshman of the year and leads New Mexico in scoring. He’s averaging 16 points a game but has 32 and 19-point outings in his last three.
Sam Houston vs New Mexico SGP
- Sam Houston +12.5
- Over 164.5
- Jake Hall Over 17.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Lobos rely on outside game
Tomislav Buljan averages 1.3 assists and has games with 3 and 2 dimes in his last three outings. He’ll be facing a bigger opponent inside, which should inspire him to kick it out to Hall outside the arc.
He’s also unlikely to top his season rebounding average by more than two boards working against Ilic.
Sam Houston vs New Mexico SGP
- Over 164.5
- Jake Hall Over 3.5 made threes
- Tomislav Buljan Over 1.5 assists
- Tomislav Buljan Under 12.5 rebounds
Sam Houston vs New Mexico odds
- Spread: Sam Houston +12.5 (-110) | New Mexico -12.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Sam Houston +575 | New Mexico -850
- Over/Under: Over 163 (-110) | Under 163 (-110)
Sam Houston vs New Mexico betting trend to know
New Mexico has hit the Game Total Over in 14 of their last 19 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Sam Houston vs. New Mexico.
How to watch Sam Houston vs New Mexico
| Location | The Pit, Albuquerque, NM |
| Date | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Sam Houston vs New Mexico key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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