4* NCAAB ESPN BRACKBUSTER ABSOLUTE SMASH

Drake vs. New Mexico State, 02/18/2012 15:00 EDT, Score: 55 - 71

Point Spread: -9/-103 New Mexico State

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

I have no problem laying 9-points on New Mexico State this afternoon. Drake is a solid team out of the Missouri Valley, but they are not a good road team. They did go on the road and beat Bradley in their last game, following up a 24-point win at home against Evansville. That win over Bradley doesn't say much. The Braves are the worst team in the Missouri Valley by 3 games. Drake is just 3-7 in true road games this season, with five of those losses coming by at least 10-points. Drake isn't use to traveling this far, and I expect them to really come out flat. They went to Boise State earlier in the year and got blown out 64-108.

New Mexico State is a solid 11-3 at home this season, winning by an average of 12.1 ppg. The fact that this game is labeled a Bracket Buster will keep New Mexico State from overlooking this game, as they know the committee will look hard at how they play in this game.

If laying 9-points has you worried, New Mexico State is 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite of 7.0-12.5, while Drake is just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. BET NEW MEXICO STATE!