Nevada Wolf Pack vs New Mexico Lobos Picks and Predictions for Saturday January 24 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/24/2026, 04:40 AM ET
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The Nevada Wolf Pack head south to Albuquerque to face the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday night, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at The Pit. This Mountain West Conference matchup will be televised nationally on FS1 and features two teams firmly in the conference race. At the time of this writing, New Mexico is listed as a -345 home favorite on the moneyline, while Nevada is priced at +275. The Lobos are laying 7.5 points at -108, with the Wolf Pack getting +7.5 at -112. The total for the game is set at 150.5, with the Over priced at -105 and the Under at -115. For more betting analysis and daily insights, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.

Wolf Pack Tested in Recent Road Spots

Nevada enters this matchup with a strong 14-5 overall record and has shown resilience throughout conference play. While their exact road record is not listed, recent results suggest a team capable of competing away from home. Over their last five games, the Wolf Pack have recently won over San José State 87-54, Air Force 81-66, and Wyoming 92-83, while also recently losing to Utah State 71-62 and San Diego State 73-68. That mix highlights a team that can score efficiently but has also struggled against top-tier defensive opponents.

From a statistical perspective, Nevada averages 77.0 points per game while allowing 70.6, giving them a solid scoring margin built on defensive structure. The Wolf Pack shoot 44% from the field and pull down 35.6 rebounds per game, numbers that indicate balance rather than dominance in any one category. Ball movement is steady at 14.7 assists per game, while their defense contributes 4.1 blocks and 6.7 steals per contest.

Nevada’s biggest strength lies in their ability to control tempo. They prefer half-court sets and limit transition opportunities, which keeps games within reach even against more explosive teams. However, facing New Mexico at The Pit presents a unique challenge, as the Lobos thrive on pace, pressure, and crowd energy that can disrupt methodical offenses.

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Lobos Thriving at The Pit

New Mexico comes into Saturday night with a 15-4 overall record and has been particularly effective on their home floor. Over their last five games, the Lobos have recently won over Fresno State 83-74, Grand Canyon 87-64, Air Force 91-49, and Colorado State 80-70, while also recently losing a competitive road game to San Diego State 83-79. That stretch reflects a team playing confident, efficient basketball on both ends of the floor.

Statistically, New Mexico averages 80.8 points per game while allowing just 67.5, one of the better defensive marks in the conference. The Lobos shoot 45% from the field and average 37.1 rebounds per contest, giving them a physical presence inside. Their offense is well-balanced, with 14.8 assists per game, while defensively they excel at creating chaos, averaging 8.4 steals per game.

What separates New Mexico in this matchup is their defensive pressure combined with tempo. They force opponents into quick decisions and capitalize on turnovers with fast-break opportunities. Against a Nevada team that prefers controlled possessions, the Lobos’ ability to speed up the game could be a decisive factor, especially with the home crowd amplifying momentum swings.

Nevada Wolf Pack vs New Mexico Lobos Pick

Nevada Wolf Pack vs New Mexico Lobos Pick

  • New Mexico -7.5 (-108)

I’m backing New Mexico to cover the spread in this spot. The Lobos’ defensive intensity and ability to convert turnovers into points give them a clear edge at home. Nevada has struggled offensively against elite defenses, and New Mexico’s pressure should force the Wolf Pack out of their comfort zone. With New Mexico consistently winning by margin at The Pit, laying 7.5 points is justified given the matchup and venue.

Nevada Wolf Pack vs New Mexico Lobos Total Pick

  • Under 150.5 (-115)

I’m taking the Under in this game. While both teams can score, Nevada’s preference for slower tempo and New Mexico’s defensive efficiency suggest fewer possessions than the total implies. Nevada allows just 70.6 points per game, and New Mexico’s defense is even stronger at 67.5. If the Wolf Pack succeed in limiting transition chances, this game should stay below the posted number.

Final Score Prediction: New Mexico 78, Nevada 68

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