Men: New Mexico at San Jose State
What you need to know about the Lobos: UNM is 1-5 when outscored at the free throw line and 18-2 when it outscores its opponents from there. For a team that is predicated on a high-pressure, attacking the rim offense, the Lobos can’t settle for jump shots and 3-point shooting; San Jose State will, pack the paint and make things difficult near the rim. The Lobos have a free throw rate (FTA/FGA) of 39.7%, which ranks 21st nationally. UNM outscored SJSU from the free throw line 20-9 in its 77-57 home win last month in the Pit and comfortably ran its offense throughout. But it might be more difficult this go-round as the Spartans rank No. 2 in league play in defensive free throw rate (24.6%). While the Lobos struggles, especially on defense, started before House injured his hamstring, it is impossible to understate how out of sorts the team has played at both ends of the court without him in losses to the league’s ninth-place team and last-place teams. His availability for Friday is uncertain — you can expect game-time decisions until he returns. He’s in the conversation as the league’s best on-ball defender. On offense, his 3-point shot (42-of-114) pulls out defenders in a way Dent cannot, and House’s ability to penetrate into the paint sets up so much for his teammates.
What you need to know about the Spartans: They have been playing well of late. In fact, since losing to the Lobos, SJSU is 4-3. They had a 21-point loss at No. 21 San Diego State, a 2-point loss at Utah State, a home win against Utah State, a 30-point win over Air Force, a 20-point win over Wyoming, and on Tuesday they beat UNLV to complete a season sweep. Moore is even better in league play than the overall stats, averaging 20.0 points and 5.4 assists per game. The Spartans’ size didn’t create the issues they had hoped in the first meeting with UNM, but they aren’t going away from their foundation of defense and rebounding. SJSU ranks first in league play in offensive rebound rate, grabbing 34.5% of their own misses. Their defensive efficiency overall in MWC games ranks fourth while UNM’s is eighth in the 11-team league. Turnovers are a weakness. In league games, SJSU has the highest turnover rate on offense (18.6%) and lowest turnover rate on defense (13.5%). Their extra possessions come via offensive boards. San Jose State’s 16 wins already are the most since 1987 and the program has never had a first-round bye in the league tournament, which they would have should they hold on to their fifth-place standing, one spot over UNM.