Thursday’s contest features the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (12-6) and the New Mexico State Aggies (6-9) clashing at E. A. Diddle Arena in what is expected to be a lopsided matchup, with a projected 68-57 win for heavily favored Western Kentucky according to our computer prediction. Game time is at 7:30 PM ET on January 18.

Last time out, the Hilltoppers won on Saturday 62-52 over Jacksonville State.

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Western Kentucky vs. New Mexico State Game Info

• When: Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET
• Where: E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky

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Western Kentucky vs. New Mexico State Score Prediction

• Prediction:
  Western Kentucky 68, New Mexico State 57

Western Kentucky Schedule Analysis

• The Hilltoppers took down the No. 153-ranked (according to our computer rankings) Vermont Catamounts, 62-50, on November 25, which goes down as their signature victory of the season.
• Western Kentucky has nine wins versus Quadrant 4 teams, tied for the fifth-most in the nation.

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Western Kentucky 2023-24 Best Wins

• 62-50 over Vermont (No. 153) on November 25
• 68-66 on the road over Liberty (No. 175) on January 6
• 72-68 at home over Abilene Christian (No. 191) on December 18
• 70-64 at home over Mercer (No. 225) on November 6
• 66-60 over Nevada (No. 226) on December 20

Western Kentucky Leaders

• Acacia Hayes: 16.9 PTS, 1.5 STL, 44.8 FG%, 37.5 3PT% (33-for-88)
• Alexis Mead: 10.7 PTS, 2.0 STL, 46.2 FG%, 39.3 3PT% (24-for-61)
• Ana Teresa Faustino: 9.3 PTS, 1.4 STL, 35.9 FG%, 29.7 3PT% (22-for-74)
• Karris Allen: 6.1 PTS, 1.5 STL, 36.5 FG%, 33.3 3PT% (9-for-27)
• Odeth Betancourt: 6.5 PTS, 1.2 STL, 50.0 FG%

Western Kentucky Performance Insights

• The Hilltoppers outscore opponents by 5.9 points per game (scoring 68.2 points per game to rank 143rd in college basketball while allowing 62.3 per contest to rank 139th in college basketball) and have a +107 scoring differential overall.
• In conference games, Western Kentucky scores more points per game (68.7) than its season average (68.2).
• The Hilltoppers are scoring 71.3 points per game in home games. In away games, they are averaging 66.1 points per contest.
• Defensively, Western Kentucky has played better in home games this year, allowing 57.0 points per game, compared to 63.6 when playing on the road.
• The Hilltoppers have seen an increase in scoring recently, racking up 69.7 points per game in their last 10 outings, 1.5 points more than the 68.2 they’ve scored this season.

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