New Mexico State vs Liberty Picks and Prediction – 1/19/2025

The New Mexico State Aggies (11-6, 4-0 Conference USA) visit the Liberty Flames (14-4, 2-3 Conference USA) for a critical midseason clash. New Mexico State is riding a seven-game win streak, including a dominant 85-57 victory over UTEP, while Liberty aims to bounce back from a 79-74 loss to Louisiana Tech. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Aggies’ offense has been highly efficient, averaging 75.4 points per game on 45.3% shooting from the field. Christian Cook leads with 15.1 points per game, supported by Peter Filipovity’s 7.5 rebounds and Zawdie Jackson’s 4.2 assists. Beyond individual performances, New Mexico State has excelled defensively, allowing just 67.6 points per game and forcing opponents into tough shooting nights. The ability to generate 7.1 steals per game creates extra opportunities, and with recent momentum, the Aggies have looked formidable in conference play.

Defensively, New Mexico State has showcased disciplined play, ranking among the better defensive teams in Conference USA. They allow limited second-chance opportunities with 37.8 rebounds per game and maintain a strong transition defense. The Aggies’ ability to contest shots while avoiding unnecessary fouls makes them a tough matchup for any opponent.

Liberty enters as a high-scoring unit, averaging 78.9 points per game with a 49.4% field goal percentage. Kaden Metheny leads the Flames with 13.8 points, while Zach Cleveland contributes significantly with 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Cleveland’s versatility has been instrumental in maintaining Liberty’s offensive flow. Despite recent struggles, including a two-game losing streak, Liberty’s offense remains dangerous, especially at home.

Defensively, Liberty has been solid, limiting opponents to 61.6 points per game while using depth to maintain pressure throughout. They also force turnovers, averaging 7.4 steals per game. However, the rebounding margin could be a concern against a strong New Mexico State frontcourt, which might expose gaps in Liberty’s interior defense.

Liberty’s superior shooting and home-court advantage give them the edge in this matchup. Despite the Aggies’ strong run, Liberty’s ability to control the tempo and execute in clutch moments will likely prove decisive. Final Score Prediction: Liberty Flames win but fail to cover 77-72.