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

Sam Houston Bearkats will be on the road Wednesday night with a game in Albuquerque, NM, at 9:00 PM against the New Mexico Lobos for a first-round matchup in the NIT tournament, and we have you ready to roll with our Sam Houston vs New Mexico prediction. Sam Houston has been mediocre this season, coming into the NIT tournament with 22 wins and 11 losses overall. The New Mexico Lobos return home Wednesday with 23 wins and 10 losses this season. Sam Houston has dropped three of the last five overall following a six-point loss to Kennesaw State last time out. New Mexico comes into the night struggling after losing 3 of the last four following the two-point loss to San Diego State last time out.  Read more about this Sam Houston vs New Mexico prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!

Sam Houston tries to end their skid

The Sam Houston offense has been the team's biggest strength this season, averaging 82.2 points on 46% shooting from the floor, but the Bearkats have averaged only 75 points per game over their last three losses. Defensively, Sam Houston is allowing 74.2 points per game this season and has given up an average of 80.3 points per game over its last three losses. Offensively, Sam Houston struggled in their last outing, scoring 73 points on 44% shooting, 24% from beyond the arc. Defensively, Sam Houston struggled immensely, giving up 79 points, including 48 in the second half, to blow a six-point halftime lead as Kennesaw State shot 48% from the floor and 41% from beyond the arc. Sam Houston did win the rebounding battle by 4, but turned the ball over 15 times in the loss.

Po’Boigh King leads the Sam Houston offense this season with 14.1 points per game. Jacob Walker and Veljiko Ilic are both tied for second on the team with 11.4 points per game. Kashie Natt and Isaiah Manning are tied for third on the team, averaging 10.7 points per game this season, while Natt leads the team, averaging 8.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

Key Injury Report for Sam Houston:

• Po’Boigh King (Questionable) – Undisclosed
• Justin Begg (Questionable) – Undisclosed
• Jaxson Ford (Questionable) – Undisclosed
• Isaiah Manning (Out) – Undisclosed
• Cheikh Ndiaye (Out) – Arm
• Nathan Nguyen (Out) – Undisclosed
• Noah Benny (Out) – Undisclosed

New Mexico looks to keep season going

Offensively, New Mexico has held its own this season, averaging 8.5 points on 46% shooting from the floor this season, but the Lobos have averaged only 75.3 points per game over the last three losses. Defensively, New Mexico has held its own, allowing 70.8 points per game this season through 33 games played. Offensively, New Mexico struggled in its last outing, finishing with 62 points on 33% shooting, including 33% from beyond the arc. Defensively, New Mexico was outmatched, giving up 64 points as San Diego State shot 41% from the floor. New Mexico won the rebounding battle by three, but turned the ball over 11 times in the loss.

Jake Hall leads New Mexico this season, averaging 16 points per game. Thomislav Buljan is second on the roster in 2.5 points to go along with the team-leading 10.4 rebounds per game. Deyton Albury averages 11.8 points and leaves the team dishing out three assists. Uriah Tenant averaged 10.4 points in just under 27 minutes per game.

Key Injury Report for New Mexico:

• None

Sam Houston vs New Mexico Pick

• Sam Houston vs New Mexico Spread Pick

Both teams come into this game with similar records and similar attributes on each side of the ball here in New Mexico; however, one team is the better team, and it will show on Wednesday night. The Lobos have the depth and talent all over the floor to overwhelm Sam Houston start to finish. Take New Mexico to thrive in front of their home fans as they roll to an easy home victory. New Mexico will extend its season Wednesday night with a blowout win and cover against Sam Houston in round one of the NIT tournament.

• Sam Houston vs New Mexico Over/Under Pick

Both teams score a ton of points heading into this matchup, and each has had defensive lapses lately. Look for that to continue Wednesday night as both teams look to run it up to end their recent skids. Expect points in budgets as both teams will depend heavily on their offenses in this matchup. New Mexico is going to get the win on Wednesday night in a game that goes well over the total in the NIT tournament