Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Picks and Predictions for Thursday, January 8, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 01/08/2026, 01:25 AM ET

Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Information

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will be on the road Thursday night with a game in New Mexico inside the Pan American Center at 9:00 PM against New Mexico State. Western Kentucky has nine wins and five losses this season, having won three of the last five, including two in a row after a 5-point victory against Louisiana Tech. New Mexico State returns home Thursday night, eight wins and five losses this season, after losing 3 of the last five, including two in a row, following a 7-point road loss to Missouri State. Stay in the news with our College Basketball Picks.

Western Kentucky Preview

The Western Kentucky offense has been solid this season, averaging 83.1 points on 42% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Western Kentucky has allowed 76.8 points per game this season, but gave up only 61 points in its last outing. Teagan Moore leads the Western Kentucky offense this season, averaging 18.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Armello Boone is second on the team after 12.2 points, and Grant Newell averages 11.6 points per game. Ryan Myers is the fourth player on the roster in double digits, averaging 10.2 points per game.

New Mexico State Preview

The New Mexico State Aggies average 77.6 points per game on 45% shooting from the floor this season. Defensively, New Mexico State has held its own, allowing 59.2 points per game this year, but has given up an average of 87 points per game over its last three losses. Jemel Jones leads the New Mexico State offense this season with 15.2 points per game. Julius Mims is second on the team with 10.8 points to go along with the team's leading 7.2 rebounds. Elijah Elliott averages 9.8 points, and Jalen Randall averages 8.5 points per game. Gabe Pickens averages 4.3 points and leads the team, dishing out 3.3 assists

Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Prediction

Both teams have been mediocre thus far this season as each is only a few games above 500. Look for Western Kentucky to ride their hot hand in this game as they come into Thursday night playing the better basketball. The Hilltoppers also have the better overall offense to carry them to the wind. Take Western Kentucky to the job on both sides of the ball Thursday night to get the win and cover on the road as the underdog. Final Score Prediction, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers win and cover 74-69.

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Best Picks:

  • Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +2.5
  • Under 155.5

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