Marquette vs New Mexico prediction, picks for 2025 men's NCAA Tournament
It's Marquette vs New Mexico in the 2025 NCAA Tournament first round. See our expert picks and predictions for the March Madness bracket, along with where to watch and game time.
Editor's note: Follow Men's March Madness live updates and scores from Friday's first-round action.
The 2025 NCAA men's Tournament is here, folks. First-round action continues on Friday with a matchup between Marquette and New Mexico in the South Region.
The Marquette Golden Eagles finished the 2024-25 season with a 23-10 record, good for fourth in the Big East. That earned them a No. 7 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the New Mexico Lobos, finished first in the Mountain West with a 26-7 record. That earned them a No. 10 seed in the Big Dance.
Marquette ranks as the 28th-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the 32nd-ranked offense and 28th-ranked defense. Meanwhile, New Mexico ranks 41st overall with the 79th-ranked offense and 19th-ranked defense.
Here's how our experts see Friday's Round of 64 clash playing out. Be sure to check out Paste BN's complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team's picks for every game. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
Marquette vs. New Mexico picks and predictions
- Jordan Mendoza: New Mexico
- Paul Myerberg: New Mexico
- Erick Smith: New Mexico
- Eddie Timanus: New Mexico
- Dan Wolken: New Mexico
- Craig Meyer: New Mexico 81, Marquette 76
- Ben Steele: Marquette 81, New Mexico 77
Only one of our experts believes Marquette will win this contest. Craig Meyer has New Mexico pulling off the upset, while the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Ben Steele is only backing the Lobos to cover the 4.5-point spread. Both of them have the game going over the 152.5-point total.
Marquette vs. New Mexico date, start time, where to watch
- Game Day: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Game Time: 7:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Rocket Arena in Cleveland
- TV Channel: TBS
- Live Stream: Sling TV - Watch Now!
Watch Marquette vs. New Mexico on Sling TV
Marquette vs. New Mexico odds
Odds as of Thursday, March 20 via BetMGM.
- Spread: Marquette -4.5 (-105)
- Moneyline Favorite: Marquette -185
- Moneyline Underdog: New Mexico +150
- Total: 152.5
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