Aggies Dominate Hilltoppers in Convincing Win
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Pan American Center
New Mexico State Aggies 80, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 64, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies beat Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 80-64 at Pan American Center on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
The New Mexico State Aggies delivered a strong performance at the Pan American Center, defeating the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 80-64. This victory was significant for the Aggies, who had been struggling recently, losing their last two games prior to this matchup. The win improves their overall record to 10-5, while the Hilltoppers fall to 9-7.
In terms of recent form, the Aggies had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, with an average of 77.6 points scored per game and 70.1 points allowed. Their home record was notably better, standing at 4-1, while they struggled on the road with a 1-4 record. The Hilltoppers, on the other hand, also posted a 5-5 record in their last ten games, averaging 80.3 points scored and 77.7 points allowed. Their home performance was solid with a 5-3 record, but they have yet to win away this season, holding an 0-2 record in away games.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, splitting their two encounters. The Aggies won the first matchup at home 65-47, while the Hilltoppers claimed victory in the second game with a score of 101-69. This recent history added an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.
In terms of injuries, there were no specific details provided in the block that would indicate any key players missing from either side, which allowed both teams to field their strongest lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Aggies favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 154.5. The moneyline odds indicated a -135.0 for New Mexico State and +114.0 for Western Kentucky. This suggests that the market expected a competitive game, but the Aggies ultimately exceeded those expectations with their decisive win.
The game conditions were favorable for both teams, with no adverse weather or venue issues reported. The Aggies took control early and maintained their lead throughout the game, demonstrating their offensive capabilities and defensive resilience.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Aggies' offensive execution. Teagan Moore's layup assisted by Armelo Boone, along with Jemel Jones' free throws, helped extend the Aggies' lead in the second half. Chris Terrell's layup capped off the scoring for New Mexico State, sealing their victory.
Overall, the Aggies' ability to dominate the game, particularly in the second half, showcased their potential as they look to build momentum moving forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NMSU -2.5 | 154.5 o -112 / u -108 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +114 · New Mexico State Aggies -135 |
Leaders
- PointsJemel Jones24New Mexico State Aggies
- AssistsGabe Pickens6New Mexico State Aggies
- ReboundsJulius Mims15New Mexico State Aggies
- PointsArmelo Boone13Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTerrion Murdix4Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsArmelo Boone9Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Recent form
New Mexico State Aggies
Last 10: 5-5Streak L277.6 scored · 70.1 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L82-89at Missouri State BearsJan 4
- L74-89at Florida International PanthersJan 2
- W104-33vs Southwest MustangsDec 28
- W87-78vs Sam Houston BearkatsDec 21
- L70-83vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 13
- L69-77at Abilene Christian WildcatsDec 6
- L75-77at South Alabama JaguarsDec 3
- W77-58vs Georgia State PanthersNov 26
- W57-45at UC Irvine AnteatersNov 26
- W81-72vs Samford BulldogsNov 22
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W280.3 scored · 77.7 allowed per game0-2 away
- W66-61vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 4
- W102-91vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 2
- L67-78at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 30
- L81-82vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 20
- W102-59vs Campbellsville TigersDec 16
- L61-77at Marshall Thundering HerdDec 11
- W80-79vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 6
- W75-70vs Wichita State ShockersNov 29
- L91-97vs South Florida BullsNov 27
- L78-83vs Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 26
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | New Mexico State Aggies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-68 | 22-56 |
| Field goal % | 31 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 5-22 | 10-23 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 43 |
| Free throws | 17-23 | 26-34 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 32 |
| Assists | 8 | 11 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 20 |
| Fouls | 22 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 28 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half33-49Elijah Elliott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-50Elijah Elliott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-50Terrion Murdix makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half35-51Kyrese Mullen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-52Kyrese Mullen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-52Jack Edelen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Armelo Boone assists)
- 2nd Half40-52Ryan Myers makes layup
- 2nd Half41-52Ryan Myers makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half42-52Terrion Murdix makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-52Terrion Murdix makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-54JaeCoby Osborne makes 5-foot alley oop dunk (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half45-54Ryan Myers makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Jayland Randall makes 28-foot three point jumper (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half46-57Noah Boyde makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Noah Boyde makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-58Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-59Jemel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-62Jayland Randall makes 27-foot three point jumper (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half47-63Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-64Jemel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-64Armelo Boone makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-64Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-66Jemel Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half50-69Elijah Elliott makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-70Elijah Elliott makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-70Noah Boyde makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-70Armelo Boone makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half53-71JaeCoby Osborne makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-72Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-73Jemel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-73Teagan Moore makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half55-75Gabe Pickens makes layup
- 2nd Half57-75Teagan Moore makes layup (Armelo Boone assists)
- 2nd Half57-76Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-76Armelo Boone makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half62-76Kade Unseld makes 25-foot three point jumper (LJ Hackman assists)
- 2nd Half62-77Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-78Jemel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-80Chris Terrell makes layup
- 2nd Half64-80Jack Edelen makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours New Mexico State Aggies, below favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Venue
- Pan American CenterLas Cruces, NM
- Attendance2612
- OfficialsSteven Anderson, Bart Lenox, Landon Brandes
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond