Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/24/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/24/26

SAINT JOSEPH’S vs. NEW MEXICO (NM -10.5, 152.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

HAWKS @ LOBOS 3/23/26

The NIT Quarterfinals are heating up as Saint Joseph's heads to The Pit to take on New Mexico! Early lines have the Lobos as double-digit favorites, but the Hawks have been a cover machine lately, going 5-0 ATS in their last five road games. This matchup features two of the most explosive mid-major programs in the country, with a trip to the semifinals on the line.

New Mexico enters as a heavy favorite, having dismantled their first two NIT opponents by an average of 24.5 points. Meanwhile, Saint Joseph's has proven to be a "road warrior" team, securing back-to-back one-possession wins on the West Coast to reach this stage.

While New Mexico has been dominant at home, this line feels slightly inflated for a quarterfinal matchup against a Saint Joseph's team that is currently 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games. The Hawks have shown incredible resilience on the road, going 5-0 ATS in their last five away contests, including recent SU wins over Colorado State and California.

Statistically, Saint Joseph's possesses an elite rim defense, ranking 38th nationally in two-point percentage allowed (47.5%). This interior presence, led by Justice Ajogbor (8.8% block rate), is crucial against a New Mexico offense that thrives on pick-and-roll action and scoring inside. While the Lobos' altitude and home-court advantage at The Pit are legendary, the Hawks' ability to force tough shots and their 10-5 ATS record on the road this season suggest they can keep this within double digits.

Despite both teams having the capability to score in bunches, the Under has been a consistent trend for Saint Joseph's, hitting in 22 of their 33 games this season. The Hawks play a disciplined defensive style that often slows down high-octane opponents. New Mexico’s defense is also underrated, ranking 42nd in adjusted efficiency and specifically excels at packing the paint, forcing teams into lower-percentage perimeter shots.

New Mexico's defense allows the 8th-highest three-point rate in the country, essentially daring teams to beat them from deep. Saint Joseph's, however, ranks in the bottom-40 nationally in three-point percentage (30.9%). If the Hawks struggle to find their rhythm from deep in the thin air of Albuquerque, this game is likely to stay under this high total.

Jake Hall is having a historic freshman campaign for New Mexico, currently tied for fourth all-time among D-I freshmen with 113 triples. He is averaging 16.0 points per game and has been on a tear recently, making four or more three-pointers in four of his last five games.

The matchup narrative heavily favors Hall here. Saint Joseph's defensive scheme focuses on protecting the rim, which results in them allowing 34% of opponent points to come from beyond the arc (84th-most in the nation). With the potential return of Deyton Albury from the flu, the Hawks won't be able to sell out entirely on Hall, likely giving the elite marksman the looks he needs to clear this line.

Tomislav Buljan has been a monster on the glass for the Lobos, leading the team with 10.4 rebounds per game. His advanced metrics are even more impressive, boasting a 27.4% defensive rebounding rate and an 18.0% offensive rebounding rate.

In a game where Saint Joseph's is expected to struggle with their shooting percentage (30.9% from three), there will be plenty of rebounding opportunities. Buljan has been highly consistent in high-tempo games, and with New Mexico ranking 52nd in adjusted tempo, the sheer volume of possessions should allow him to reach double-digit boards comfortably.

Get free CBB Picks and CBB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 CBB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert CBB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the CBB betting community the best CBB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best CBB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: SAINT JOSEPH'S (1H) +6.5

Everybody wants to take Saint Joseph’s and the points here. “The number is just too big.” But, is it? New Mexico shot 41% from three and blew out George Washington 86-61 in their last game and shot 53% from the field and put up 107 on Sam Houston in NIT Game 1. The commonality…the Lobos were at home in The Pit, one of the toughest places to play in CBB. Yes, Saint Joseph’s has played well in this tournament and won outright as dogs in both games. The Hawks cover too. They’re 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 on the road. If you want to back the Hawks, do it in the first half. If you give them 6.5 points in the 1H, Saint Joseph’s has covered that in 31 of 35 games this season and they are 26-7 ATS in the first half. 

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