Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Prediction 1/8/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the New Mexico State Aggies meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Pan American Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. New Mexico State Aggies prediction.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Recap

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will be out to add on to their 66-61 win over Louisiana Tech last time out to sit at 9-5 this season. After this game, Western Kentucky will head on the road for a game against UTEP.

Hilltoppers Win Back-To-Back Games

Teagan Moore leads the Hilltoppers across the board with 18.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 2.8 APG while Armelo Boone has 12.2 PPG and 5.9 RPG. Grant Newell has 11.6 PPG with 4.1 RPG and Ryan Myers has 10.2 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Western Kentucky up to this point in the year. As a team, Western Kentucky is averaging 83.1 PPG on 41.8% shooting from the field, 33.9% from three and 74.3% from the foul line this season.

New Mexico State Aggies Recap

The New Mexico State Aggies come into this game looking to bounce back from an 89-82 loss at the hands of Missouri State in their last game to sit at 8-5 this season. After this game, New Mexico State will have a home date with Middle Tennessee.

Aggies Lose Back-To-Back Games

Jemel Jones leads the Aggies in scoring with 15.2 PPG along with 4.3 RPG while Julius Mims has 10.8 PPG with a team-high 7.2 RPG to lead the Aggies in rebounding as the only other double-digit scorer for New Mexico State up to this point in the year. Anthony Wrzeszcz has 8.2 PPG while Jayland Randall has 8.5 PPG with 3.1 RPG. Gabe Pickens has a team-high 3.3 APG to lead the Aggies in assists and Elijah Elliott also has 9.8 PPG up to this point in the year. As a team, New Mexico State is averaging 77.6 PPG on 44.8% shooting from the field, 32.9% from three and 72.4% from the foul line this season.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers @ New Mexico State Aggies Betting Trends: January 8, 2026

Why the New Mexico State Aggies will win

• New Mexico State has won each of its last seven games at Pan American Center.
• Western Kentucky has lost four of its last five road games against Conference opponents.
• New Mexico State has won the first half in nine of its last 10 games at Pan American Center.

Why the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will win

• New Mexico State has lost five of its last six home night games against Conference opponents.
• Western Kentucky has won three of its last four games against New Mexico State.
• Western Kentucky has won the first half in 11 of its last 13 night games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of New Mexico State’s last 14 night games at Pan American Center have produced a total of 155 or fewer points.
• Thirteen of Western Kentucky’s last 14 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 153 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• New Mexico State ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (21.5).
• New Mexico State ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.73).
• Western Kentucky ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (5.3).
• Western Kentucky ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (20.4).

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. New Mexico State Aggies Prediction

I’m on New Mexico State here. WKU is a team I much prefer backing at home and New Mexico State is in a bit of a funk that I think they can shake being back at home. All in all, I just think I’d need more points if I were to consider the Hilltoppers in this one, so give me New Mexico State here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: New Mexico State -3.5