Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs New Mexico State Aggies Betting Pick & Prediction 1/18/24

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Hilltoppers versus the Aggies? Tip off is at at 9:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Pan American Center in Las Cruces, NM. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 146.5 points, and the Aggies are favored to win at home against the Hilltoppers.

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS VS NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES BETTING PICK

The Pick: New Mexico State Aggies -1.5

This game will be played at Pan American Center at 9:00 ET on Thursday, January 18th.

WHY BET THE NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-71 in favor of the Aggies.
• Not only will New Mexico State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.

Do the Hilltoppers Stand a Chance in Las Cruces?

Western Kentucky has been solid on the road this season, going 5-2 with an average scoring margin of +3.6 points per game. Over their last 10 games away from home, they are 6-4. Overall, they are 13-4 this season, including a 2-1 mark in Conference USA action.

As the underdog, the Hilltoppers have gone 4-2 this season, and they are currently 4-1 over their last five games on the road.

When looking at Western Kentucky’s ATS record this season, they are currently 8-6. On the road, their ATS mark is 5-2, and over their last 10 games as the underdog, the Hilltoppers are 5-5.

Today’s over/under line of 146.5 is lower than the average over/under line in Western Kentucky’s games this season (150.6). So far, their over/under record is 5-9. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 145 points.

In their recent matchup, the Western Kentucky offense ended with 80 points against Jacksonville State. They finished with an overall field goal percentage of 49.1% and made 10 threes. On the offensive front, the Hilltoppers have a season-long field goal percentage of 45%, ranking 178th nationally. When it comes to three-point shooting, they are ranked 283rd in terms of percentage and 251st in three-pointers made.

On the defensive side, Western Kentucky is currently hovering around the NCAA’s average for points allowed, conceding an average of 73.3 points per game. Against Jacksonville State in their most recent game, the Western Kentucky defense gave up a total of 69 points while allowing Jacksonville State to hit 49% of their shots.

Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Aggies?

After losing to FIU 77-67, New Mexico State is 7-10 overall and 1-1 in Conference USA. At home, the Aggies are 3-2 this season and have won two in a row. For the year, New Mexico State has been favored in three games, going 3-0.

So far, the Aggies have gone 0-8 on the road, and they have lost their last eight games away from home by an average of 16.4 points per game. Over their last 10 games at home, New Mexico State is 8-2.

As the favorite, New Mexico State has gone 2-1 vs. the spread this season and 4-6 over their last 10 games as the favorite. At home, the Aggies have an ATS mark of 3-2 this year and are 4-2 in their last 10 home games vs. the spread.

This season, the over/under record in New Mexico State games is 7-6 and today’s line of 146.5 is higher than the average over/under line of 142.7 in their games. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is just 128 points and in their last five games, the average is 131 points. So far, their over/under record in their last 10 games is 3-5.

In their recent game, the Aggies’ offense concluded with 67 points, consistent with their ongoing season average of 70.2 points per contest. Offensively, the Aggies hold a season-long field goal percentage of 43%, placing them 297th in the national rankings. When it comes to three-pointers, they are ranked 263rd in terms of percentage and 287th in three-pointers made.

At this time, the Aggies’ defense is positioned 159th in the country, permitting 71.9 points per game. Against FIU in their most recent game, the New Mexico State defense gave up a total of 77 points while allowing FIU to hit 47% of their shots.