New Mexico lost to Nevada three games ago in double-OT by three points, another revenge spot. The Lobos are shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and 57.4 percent from the floor over their last three games. On the road, Nevada is shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 33.2 percent beyond the arc. The Lobos defense holds opponents to 71 points at home. I’m on New Mexico.

The Lobos have payback on their minds after a controversial flagrant foul was the difference in their 97-94 double OT loss to Nevada in Reno two weeks ago. This game is important for position in the MWC standings, and the Lobos have one of the conference's toughest road environments. Nevada's six losses have all come on road or neutral sites, and the Wolf Pack have yet to notch a quality conference road win. They aren't likely to break through Tuesday.

Steve Alford returns to The Pit, where he won four regular season conference championships as head coach of New Mexico, now leading a Nevada team that, like the current Lobos, are battling to build an NCAA Tournament at-large resume. Alford has not coached against his former team in this building since Feb. 2020, so the atmosphere should be electric and the matchup has plenty of buzz since the first meeting ended with a 97-94 double overtime win for the Wolf Pack. That game had some pace to it, as this total could have hit in regulation before the game went to the first overtime tied 78-78.