San Diego State Aztecs vs New Mexico Lobos: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Dreamstyle Arena in Albuquerque, New Mexico

When: Wednesday, January 29th at 9pm EST

How (TV): CBS Sports Network

San Diego State Aztecs (Away)

Aztecs Hold Steady At No. 4/4 In The Polls https://t.co/EWhe53b6Ck

— Aztec M. Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) January 27, 2020

Head Coach: Brian Dutcher{Overall: 21-0 | Conference: 10-0, 1st in Mountain West}

Very few experts could have predicted that the San Diego Aztecs would be the lone unbeaten team in the country going into the New Year. Alas, coach Brian Dutcher’s team has quickly ascended near the top of the AP Poll, tying their highest ranking ever, which came in the 2010-11 season. With wins over power conference foes such as Iowa, Creighton, and Utah, the Aztecs have shown they are capable of contending in March.

Furthermore, San Diego State has kept their record clean thanks to their tough defense, which ranks fourth in the nation in both points allowed and opponents’ three-point percentage, while limiting opposing teams to a 37% field goal success rate, which ranks sixth in the nation.

The Aztecs had to work hard in their last game to stay out of the loss column, fending off the second-place team in the Mountain West, UNLV, by a score of 71-67. Leading scorer Malachi Flynn paced SDSU with 21 points, going 6 for 14 from the field, while reserve guard Trey Pulliam added 18 points off the bench.

Head Coach: Paul Weir{Overall: 16-6 | Conference: 5-4, T-4th in Mountain West}

The New Mexico Lobos have had an up-and-down season thus far, thanks in large part to their fair share of roster turnover due to injuries and off-court issues. After a decent non-conference slate that saw the Lobos beat Wisconsin in late November, New Mexico has hit some speed bumps recently, suffering blowout losses in three of their past four contests.

Despite these hard times, the Lobos have remained one of the more efficient teams in the nation on offense, ranking sixth in the nation in field goal percentage, while also ranking third in free throw attempts. With this offensive approach, New Mexico could make some noise as its conference tournament approaches.

The Lobos return home to The Pit after suffering a 96-74 beatdown at the hands of Nevada in Reno. Junior guard Zane Martin led all scorers in that game with 23 points, while sophomore guard Vante Hendrix added 19 points. Despite a closely contested second half that saw New Mexico put up 45 points to Nevada’s 47, coach Paul Weir’s team could not overcome a 20 point halftime deficit.

San Diego State vs New Mexico All-Time Series

Wednesday’s game will be the 89th meeting between the MWC foes, with New Mexico holding a 48-40 advantage over San Diego State. The two schools split last year’s games, winning on their respective home courts, with New Mexico winning their game at The Pit 83-70. This will be the first time a top-10 ranked Aztecs team will visit an unranked New Mexico squad since February 22nd, 2014, a game that saw the Lobos pull a 58-44 upset.

San Diego State Roster Notes

Sophomore forward Aguek Arop is out indefinitely after injuring his right shoulder against Colorado State in December.

Sophomore center Nathan Mensah is out indefinitely with a respiratory issue that has sidelined him since December 28th.

New Mexico Roster Notes

Senior forward Carlton Bragg Jr. has been dismissed from the team after being arrested on a DWI charge on January 12th.

Sophomore guard Drue Drinnon is no longer with the team after electing to transfer in November to be closer to home.

Senior guard JaQuan Lyle is questionable to play against San Diego State after missing the Nevada game with a knee injury.

Junior guard J.J. Caldwell will be unavailable as he remains suspended due to legal issues, despite having been reinstated by the University of New Mexico on the academic side.

Junior guard Vance Jackson is questionable with a knee injury that kept him out of action against Nevada.

Yanni Wetzell

Power Forward | 6-10, 240lb | Westlake HS | Auckland, New Zealand | Senior

12.0 PPG | 1.6 APG | 6.4 RPG | 0.7 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 1.6 TOV | .596 FG% | .294 3P%

Yanni Wetzell has been a key member of the unbeaten Aztecs, serving as a solid complimentary piece to Malachi Flynn on offense. His off ball screens have given San Diego State’s shooters sufficient space to knock down long range attempts, while also opening himself up on rolls and pops. The Vanderbilt graduate has also been a contributor on defense despite not being an elite shot blocker. Nonetheless, at 6-10, he has enough length to disrupt opponents near the rim as a help defender and in the post.

Corey Manigault

Forward | 6-9, 225lb | Paul VI Catholic HS | Suitland, MD | Senior

12.0 PPG | 0.7 APG | 4.9 RPG | 1.1 SPG | 0.6 BPG | 1.8 TOV | .598 FG% | .400 3P%

With Lyle potentially missing more time and Bragg Jr. no longer on the roster, Corey Manigault has had to step up as the lone senior on the team. The former Pitt Panther has not disappointed, reaching double figures in seven of the last eight games, three of which were for at least 20 points. The Maryland native has a knack for getting to the line to make up for his lack of a three-point stroke, although his 63% mark from the charity stripe leaves a lot to be desired.

San Diego State at New Mexico Predictions and Odds

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Good luck!

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