We’re on to the Round of 32, and a bunch of madness has already taken place. After an upset win over UConn, the New Mexico State Aggies will take on the No. 4 seed Arkansas Razorbacks.
Both schools were taken to the final seconds in the first round. The defense of the Aggies, plus a big performance from Teddy Allen got them here. On the other side, the Razorbacks fought off a trendy Cinderella pick in Vermont to advance.
Let’s take a closer look at this New Mexico State vs Arkansas matchup, giving you the best odds and bets to place.
New Mexico State vs. Arkansas Odds
New Mexico State vs. Arkansas March Madness odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and are current as of March 18 at 10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: New Mexico State (+230) vs. Arkansas (-280)
- Spread: New Mexico State +6.5 (-110) vs. Arkansas -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 139.5 (-110) / Under 139.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Arkansas 73, New Mexico State 66.5
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New Mexico State vs. Arkansas Prediction
In the first-round game against UConn, New Mexico State won a hard-fought defensive matchup. The offense picked up in the second half, with Teddy Allen putting on an absolute show. He finished the game with 37 points, shooting a perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line.
Of course, to win this game, the Aggies will need more offense than one player.
Arkansas was one of the hottest teams heading into the NCAA Tournament, having lost just three times since January 8. They are athletic and talented on both ends of the floor. Their issue is that they can be streaky.
However, in this matchup, their offense can be streaky and still be enough to win. Outside of Allen, the Aggies offense isn’t scary.
Look for the Razorbacks to play better defense on Allen than UConn did, which is all that should be needed in this matchup.
New Mexico State vs. Arkansas Score Pick
Arkansas 72, New Mexico State 62
New Mexico State vs. Arkansas Best Bets
UNDER 139.5 (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
New Mexico State has made it to this point because of their defense. Look for them to be annoying all day against the Razorbacks. The Under is also 8-2 in games the Aggies are underdogs.
On the other side, again, New Mexico State’s offensive production came from Allen in the first round. With better defense on him, he will score less, leading to an overall low offensive output from the team.
Arkansas -6.5 (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
With better defense on Allen and a low offensive output from New Mexico State, Arkansas can score under their average and still cover the spread.
Look for the Razorbacks to pull away late in this game. It could take until the final minutes, with Arkansas making free throws and New Mexico State missing their final shots, but Arkansas has too much offense to not win and cover.
