Sam Houston Bearkats vs New Mexico Lobos Picks and Predictions for Wednesday March 18 2026

By: Kim Smith Updated 03/18/2026, 02:45 PM ET
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The Sam Houston Bearkats and New Mexico Lobos will meet on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with tip-off scheduled for 9:00 PM on ESPN+. New Mexico enters this matchup as a -650 favorite on the moneyline, while Sam Houston is listed at +470. The total is set at 164.5, with the Lobos favored by 11.5 points. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily betting insights.

Bearkats Look to Compete on the Road

Sam Houston comes into this game with a 22-11 record. They have gone 2-3 over their last five games, with recent wins over New Mexico State and Missouri State, while losses came against Kennesaw State, Liberty, and Delaware.

The Bearkats average 82.2 points per game while allowing 74.2, and they shoot 46% from the field. They are strong on the glass with 40.7 rebounds per game and also contribute 15.3 assists per contest, showing a balanced offensive attack.

One of Sam Houstonโ€™s key strengths is their rebounding and ability to create second-chance opportunities. However, their defensive inconsistencies and struggles away from home could be a concern against a strong opponent in a tough environment.

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Lobos Thrive in Albuquerque

New Mexico enters this matchup at 23-10. They have gone 2-3 over their last five games, with wins over San Jose State and San Diego State, while losses came against San Diego State, Utah State, and Colorado State.

The Lobos average 80.5 points per game and allow 70.8, while shooting 46% from the field. They also contribute 36.5 rebounds and 14.9 assists per game, showing a well-rounded approach on both ends of the floor.

New Mexicoโ€™s biggest advantage is their home-court edge at The Pit, one of the tougher environments in college basketball. Their defensive consistency combined with their ability to score efficiently makes them a strong favorite in this matchup.

Sam Houston vs New Mexico Prediction

Sam Houston vs New Mexico Pick

  • New Mexico -11.5

New Mexicoโ€™s dominance at home and overall defensive strength make them the clear side in this matchup. Sam Houston has struggled on the road, and facing a team like the Lobos in a tough environment makes it difficult to see them keeping this game close. New Mexico should be able to control the tempo and pull away.

Sam Houston vs New Mexico Total Pick

  • Over 164.5

I like the over in this matchup because both teams have shown the ability to score consistently. Sam Houston plays at a higher pace, and New Mexicoโ€™s offense should take advantage of that tempo. With both teams capable of putting up points, this game has the potential to go over the total.

Final Score Prediction: New Mexico 88, Sam Houston 74

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