Week 3: Daily Dimes - Thursday, December 12
Another exciting slate of regular-season tournaments is underway across New Mexico. Here’s a breakdown of the day’s matchups, including score predictions and favorite lines.
Las Cruces (1-2) at Atrisco Heritage (3-2), 11:30 AM
Atrisco Heritage looks to build on its strong start against a rebuilding Las Cruces team. The Jaguars are led by an offense capable of big runs, while the Bulldawgs are searching for consistency. Las Cruces will need to control the tempo and limit Atrisco’s transition game to stay competitive.
- Favorite: Atrisco Heritage, -8.5
- Prediction: Atrisco Heritage 68, Las Cruces 55
Highland (1-2) at Santa Fe (3-1), 4 PM
This matchup serves as a significant measuring stick for both teams. Highland is led by Juan Lunas, who averages 20.7 points per game, but they’ll face a Santa Fe team with momentum after a strong start to the season. Expect a hard-fought game as both teams vie for an important early-season win.
- Favorite: Santa Fe, -3.5
- Prediction: Santa Fe 62, Highland 58
La Cueva (0-3) at Organ Mountain (2-0), 8:15 PM
Organ Mountain looks like a title contender early in the season, while La Cueva struggles to find its footing. Tony Trujillo (11.3 ppg) has been a bright spot for the Bears, but they’ll have their hands full against an Organ Mountain team firing on all cylinders.
- Favorite: Organ Mountain, -12.5
- Prediction: Organ Mountain 75, La Cueva 54
Mayfield (2-2) at Albuquerque (2-1), 4:30 PM
This matchup pits a Mayfield team on the bubble against an Albuquerque program that could emerge as a 5A sleeper. Both teams are seeking momentum as they aim to solidify their identities in the early season.
- Favorite: Albuquerque, -6.5
- Prediction: Albuquerque 64, Mayfield 57
Gallup (2-2) at Grants (3-1), 7 PM
This Northwest rivalry game has bragging rights on the line along Route 66. Grants is coming off its first loss of the season, while Gallup impressed with a recent win over Arizona's Window Rock. Both teams have strong fan bases and will bring high energy to this matchup.
- Favorite: Grants, -4.5
- Prediction: Grants 70, Gallup 65
Belen (3-2) at Goddard (2-0), 6 PM
Belen is starting to look like a 4A player but Goddard’s 2-0 start suggests they could be one of the most improved teams in the state. This game will be a key test for both programs as they seek to establish themselves as playoff threats.
- Favorite: Goddard, -5.5
- Prediction: Goddard 61, Belen 56
Valley (1-2) vs. Roswell (1-0), 2 PM
Valley’s Luciano Mondragon (12.3 ppg) leads his team into a neutral-site matchup against Roswell. Both teams are still finding their rhythm, and this game could provide clarity on where they stand heading into the middle of the season.
- Favorite: Roswell, -2.5
- Prediction: Roswell 59, Valley 55
