Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Prediction — AI Finds CAN'T MISS CBB Lines & Props (Jan 08)
Updated: 2026-01-06T03:31:50.923562ZBy Remi at Leans.AI — AI picks for ATS, ML, OU & props
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (9‑5, 2‑1 CUSA) travel to Las Cruces to face the New Mexico State Aggies (8‑5, 1‑2 CUSA) on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Pan American Center in a pivotal early Conference USA matchup. New Mexico State enters as the slight betting favorite at around ‑3, while WKU looks to push its conference record and build momentum on the road.
Get key insights, betting trends, and AI-powered predictions to help incorporate into your betting strategies.
GAME INFO
Date: Jan 08, 2026
Start Time: 10:00 PM EST
Venue: Pan American Center
Aggies Record: (8-5)
Hilltoppers Record: (9-5)
OPENING ODDS
WKY Moneyline: +140
NMEXST Moneyline: -170
WKY Spread: +2.5
NMEXST Spread: -2.5
Over/Under: 155.5
WKY
Betting Trends
- Western Kentucky has been 6‑4 ATS in its last 10 games overall, showing decent value but mixed results across different environments.
NMEXST
Betting Trends
- New Mexico State has been less consistent against the spread at home, going roughly 3‑5 ATS in its last 8 home games, struggling to cover despite some solid performances.
MATCHUP TRENDS
- In the last 10 head‑to‑head games between these programs, Western Kentucky holds the edge 7‑3 SU and also a 6‑4 advantage ATS, with WKU averaging more points and rebounds — trends that suggest historical tilt toward the Hilltoppers despite New Mexico State’s home edge.
WKY vs. NMEXST
Best Prop Bet
- Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: REMI'S STILL ANALYZING MARKETS
LIVE CBB ODDS
CBB ODDS COMPARISON
WANT MORE AI PICKS?
NET UNITS (INCL VIG & EXEC)
NET PROFIT (INCL VIG & EXEC) $100/UNIT
NET UNITS (INCL VIG)
NET PROFIT (INCL VIG) $100/UNIT
AI SPORTS PICK PRODUCTS
Create a Free Account
‘Create an Account’ to Get Remi’s Picks Today. Remi Finds New Picks
Remi calculates the probability a team will cover the line. Remi Works 24/7
Remi uses this probability to assign units to each pick.
Get Remi's AI Picks
Get Remi’s Top AI Sports Picks sent direct to your inbox.
Hedge Meaning in Betting | 4 Obvious Times to Hedge
Learn about hedge betting to manage risk and secure profits. Understand...
What is a Push in Betting? | 3 Ways To Use To Your Advantage
Understand what a push in betting means, how it happens in...
What Does the + and – Mean in Sports Betting? | 5 Easy Tips
Learn the basics of sports betting odds, what the plus (+)...
Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Prediction & Odds:
Free CBB Betting Insights for 1/8/26
Thursday’s Conference USA matchup between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the New Mexico State Aggies in Las Cruces promises to be a pivotal midseason test for both teams as they jockey for conference positioning. Western Kentucky enters with a 9–5 overall record and 2–1 CUSA mark, showcasing a high-powered offense that averages over 83 points per game and a rebounding attack that generates extra possessions and transition opportunities. The Hilltoppers have been effective at creating turnovers, forcing roughly 13 per contest, which has fueled fast-break scoring and helped them dictate tempo in many games. Their perimeter and interior scoring balance allows them to exploit mismatches, and experienced players like Tyrone Marshall Jr. and Don McHenry provide leadership and offensive consistency. Historically, WKU has fared well against New Mexico State, with the Hilltoppers winning seven of the last ten head-to-head matchups, often controlling pace and rebounding margins to secure victories. New Mexico State, meanwhile, comes in at 8–5 overall and 1–2 in CUSA play, looking to rebound from an uneven start to the season.
The Aggies have displayed scoring potential through key players such as Julius Mims, whose recent 22-point outing highlights their ability to light up the scoreboard when shooters are hot. At home in the Pan American Center, New Mexico State benefits from fan energy that can create momentum swings, particularly on defensive stops and offensive rebounds. Their challenge will be limiting Western Kentucky’s transition opportunities and maintaining consistent defensive pressure throughout the game. This matchup will hinge on rebounding, turnovers, and tempo control. If the Hilltoppers can convert defensive stops into fast-break points and sustain offensive efficiency, they should maintain the edge. Conversely, New Mexico State must capitalize on home court, hit timely shots, and control the boards to stay competitive. Execution in half-court sets and minimizing mistakes will likely determine the outcome, making this game a potentially close and hard-fought CUSA battle.
Get live CBB odds and precise AI CBB picks, predictions, and cover probabilities.
Shooters Shoot 🎯
— WKU Hilltopper Basketball (@WKUBasketball) January 6, 2026
26 makes from beyond the arc in the last 2 games 👌 pic.twitter.com/TQ1FgsxPI3
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers CBB Preview
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers travel to Las Cruces to take on the New Mexico State Aggies in what could be a defining early-season Conference USA matchup. WKU enters the contest with a 9–5 overall record and 2–1 conference mark, carrying momentum from recent wins and a high-powered offense that averages over 83 points per game. The Hilltoppers thrive on a balanced scoring attack, combining perimeter shooting with inside finishing, and relying on experienced players like Tyrone Marshall Jr. and Don McHenry to provide consistency and leadership. Their offensive rebounding has been key this season, generating second-chance opportunities that keep pressure on opponents and extend possessions. In addition, WKU’s ability to force turnovers—averaging roughly 13 per game—creates transition scoring opportunities that can quickly swing momentum in their favor, especially against teams with inconsistent defensive rotations. Defensively, the Hilltoppers have displayed streaky but impactful performances, excelling in rebounding and limiting second-chance points in key moments.
Road games in Conference USA are never easy, but WKU has shown resilience away from home, winning critical matchups and executing under pressure. Their ability to control tempo and dictate the pace of play could be decisive against New Mexico State, a team capable of scoring in bursts but prone to defensive lapses. Key factors for WKU on the road will include minimizing turnovers, contesting perimeter shots, and maintaining focus on defensive rotations, particularly against aggressive offensive sets. Contributions from the bench will also be important to sustain energy, scoring, and defensive effort deep into the second half. If the Hilltoppers can combine disciplined defense, effective half-court execution, and fast-break scoring, they have a strong chance to secure a road victory. Historically, WKU has held the upper hand against New Mexico State, and a repeat performance would reinforce their position in the conference while bolstering confidence for the remainder of the season.
Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN
New Mexico State Aggies CBB Preview
The New Mexico State Aggies enter their January 8 Conference USA matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers looking to stabilize their early conference campaign after a 1–2 start. At 8–5 overall, NMSU has shown flashes of offensive firepower and the ability to generate high scoring outputs when its shooters find rhythm. Julius Mims has emerged as a key contributor, highlighted by a recent 22-point performance, while the team collectively excels in ball movement and creating scoring opportunities through assists and perimeter spacing. The Aggies’ offense thrives on quick transition play and exploiting mismatches in the paint, and when executed effectively, this style can challenge even disciplined defenses like Western Kentucky’s. Playing at the Pan American Center provides a distinct home-court advantage, with energetic fans creating momentum swings that can elevate defensive intensity and offensive execution. Defensively, New Mexico State has had moments of strength but remains inconsistent. Limiting Western Kentucky’s high-powered attack will require contesting perimeter shots, protecting the rim, and controlling the defensive glass to prevent second-chance points.
The Aggies will need to maintain disciplined rotations, especially against WKU’s balanced scoring threats and ability to generate turnovers that fuel fast-break opportunities. Rebounding will be critical; securing defensive boards will limit extra possessions for the Hilltoppers and create opportunities for the Aggies’ transition game. For NMSU to succeed, scoring balance will be essential. Relying too heavily on one or two players could make the offense predictable, so contributions from bench players in scoring and energy are vital. Executing half-court sets efficiently, maintaining tempo control, and taking advantage of home-court energy will be the keys to keeping this game competitive. While Western Kentucky enters as the historical favorite, a disciplined, energetic, and opportunistic Aggies performance at home could turn this matchup into a tightly contested CUSA battle and provide a confidence boost for the rest of the season.
Former Aggie Keylon Dorsey has continued to shine for Western New Mexico this season. The 6’6” guard is currently averaging 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, leading the Mustangs to a strong 9-3 start to the year.#AggieUp | @nmsu | @NMStateMBB | @WNMU | @WNMU_MBB pic.twitter.com/HbtiYqcpzZ
— New Mexico State Men’s Basketball News (@nmstatembbnews) January 7, 2026
Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Prop Picks (AI)
Remi is pouring through loads of datapoints on each team. In fact, anytime the Hilltoppers and Aggies play there’s always several intriguing observations to key in on. Not to mention games played at Pan American Center in Jan almost always follow normal, predictable patterns.
Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Prediction (AI)
Remi, our AI sports algorithm, has been pouring over mountains of data from every angle between the Hilltoppers and Aggies and using recursive machine learning and kick-ass AI to analyze the data to a single cover probability.
Oddly enough, we’ve seen the AI has been most watching on the trending factor human bettors often put on Western Kentucky’s strength factors between a Hilltoppers team going up against a possibly rested Aggies team. We’ve found the true game analytics might reflect a moderate lean against one Vegas line in particular.
Unlock this in-depth AI prediction and all of our CBB AI picks for FREE now.
Below is our current AI Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State picks, computer picks Hilltoppers vs Aggies, best bets, model edges, confidence ratings.
|
DATE | GAME | LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | LEVEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBB | 1/8 | WEBER@NAU | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 3 |
EXECUTIVE
|
|
| CBB | 1/8 | LIB@LATECH | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 3 |
EXECUTIVE
|
|
| CBB | 1/8 | UCRIV@CSBAK | GET FREE PICK NOW | 2 | – | |
| CBB | 1/8 | TNTECH@EILL | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 1 |
INTEL
|
|
| CBB | 1/8 | STONEH@CCTST | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 0 |
INTEL
|
|
| CBB | 1/8 | MAINE@UMBC | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 0 |
INTEL
|
|
These picks update as information changes—injury reports, and market movement. Each line shows our model’s fair price, the edge versus the market, and a unit confidence rating (1–10). Odds and availability vary by sportsbook and time. Edges are computed against the listed price; value may change after line moves. Always shop for the best number. See the full CBB schedule.
Western Kentucky Betting Trends
Western Kentucky has been 6‑4 ATS in its last 10 games overall, showing decent value but mixed results across different environments.
New Mexico State Betting Trends
New Mexico State has been less consistent against the spread at home, going roughly 3‑5 ATS in its last 8 home games, struggling to cover despite some solid performances.
Hilltoppers vs. Aggies Matchup Trends
In the last 10 head‑to‑head games between these programs, Western Kentucky holds the edge 7‑3 SU and also a 6‑4 advantage ATS, with WKU averaging more points and rebounds — trends that suggest historical tilt toward the Hilltoppers despite New Mexico State’s home edge.
Western Kentucky vs. New Mexico State Game Info
Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State starts on January 08, 2026 at 10:00 PM EST.
Venue: Pan American Center.
Spread: New Mexico State -2.5
Moneyline: Western Kentucky +140, New Mexico State -170
Over/Under: 155.5
Western Kentucky: (9-5) | New Mexico State: (8-5)
Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: REMI'S STILL ANALYZING MARKETS. Prices move—always shop for the best number.
In the last 10 head‑to‑head games between these programs, Western Kentucky holds the edge 7‑3 SU and also a 6‑4 advantage ATS, with WKU averaging more points and rebounds — trends that suggest historical tilt toward the Hilltoppers despite New Mexico State’s home edge.
WKY trend: Western Kentucky has been 6‑4 ATS in its last 10 games overall, showing decent value but mixed results across different environments.
NMEXST trend: New Mexico State has been less consistent against the spread at home, going roughly 3‑5 ATS in its last 8 home games, struggling to cover despite some solid performances.
See our latest CBB picks and odds pages for 2026 to compare prices before you bet.
Western Kentucky vs. New Mexico State Odds
Remi is pouring through mountains of data points on each team. In fact, anytime the Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State trends are analyzed, there’s always several intriguing angles to key in on. Not to mention games played at extreme altitude almost always follow normal, predictable patterns.
| WKY Moneyline | +140 |
|---|---|
| NMEXST Moneyline | -170 |
| WKY Spread | +2.5 |
| NMEXST Spread | -2.5 |
| Over / Under | 155.5 |
Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Live Odds
| Games | PTS | ML | SPR | O/U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan 9, 2026 6:00PM EST
Miami Ohio Redhawks
Toledo Rockets
1/9/26 6PM
MIAOH
TOLEDO
|
–
–
|
-117
|
-1 (-115)
|
O 167 (-108)
U 167 (-112)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Rider Broncs
Fairfield Stags
1/9/26 7PM
RIDER
FAIR
|
–
–
|
+327
-415
|
+8.5 (-105)
-8.5 (-115)
|
O 143 (-110)
U 143 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Marist Red Foxes
Sacred Heart Pioneers
1/9/26 7PM
MARIST
SACRED
|
–
–
|
-260
+215
|
-6 (-110)
+6 (-110)
|
O 143 (-108)
U 143 (-112)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Merrimack Warriors
Siena Saints
1/9/26 7PM
MERRI
SIENA
|
–
–
|
+207
-250
|
+5.5 (-110)
-5.5 (-110)
|
O 133 (-114)
U 133 (-106)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Canisius Golden Griffins
Manhattan Jaspers
1/9/26 7PM
CAN
MANHAT
|
–
–
|
+285
-355
|
+8 (-111)
-8 (-109)
|
O 145.5 (-110)
U 145.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Cleveland State Vikings
Oakland Golden Grizzlies
1/9/26 7PM
CLEVST
OAKLND
|
–
–
|
-1300
|
-14 (-110)
|
O 172.5 (-116)
U 172.5 (-104)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Niagara Purple Eagles
Iona Gaels
1/9/26 7PM
NIAGRA
IONA
|
–
–
|
+434
-580
|
+10 (-115)
-10 (-105)
|
O 142 (-110)
U 142 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Saint Peter's Peacocks
Mt. St. Mary's Mountaineers
1/9/26 7PM
STPETE
MOUNT
|
–
–
|
-125
+105
|
pk
pk
|
O 139.5 (-110)
U 139.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
IUPUI Jaguars
Green Bay Phoenix
1/9/26 7PM
IUPUI
GBAY
|
–
–
|
+237
-290
|
+6.5 (-110)
-6.5 (-110)
|
O 157 (-110)
U 157 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Wright State Raiders
Detroit Mercy Titans
1/9/26 7PM
WRIGHT
DETRIOT
|
–
–
|
+203
|
+5.5 (-105)
|
O 148 (-110)
U 148 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Northern Kentucky Norse
Milwaukee Panthers
1/9/26 8PM
NKTY
MILW
|
–
–
|
+140
-160
|
+3 (-109)
-3 (-111)
|
O 156.5 (-110)
U 156.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Akron Zips
Bowling Green Falcons
1/9/26 8PM
AKRON
BGREEN
|
–
–
|
-195
+170
|
-4.5 (-110)
+4.5 (-110)
|
O 164 (-110)
U 164 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:30PM EST
USC Trojans
Minnesota Golden Gophers
1/9/26 8:30PM
USC
MINN
|
–
–
|
+153
-175
|
+3.5 (-110)
-3.5 (-110)
|
O 146 (-115)
U 146 (-105)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 10:00PM EST
UNLV Rebels
Colorado State Rams
1/9/26 10PM
UNLV
COLOST
|
–
–
|
+245
|
+6.5 (-105)
|
O 149 (-110)
U 149 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 12:00PM EST
Tennessee Volunteers
Florida Gators
1/10/26 12PM
TENN
FLA
|
–
–
|
+180
-220
|
+4.5 (-110)
-4.5 (-110)
|
O 153.5 (-110)
U 153.5 (-110)
|
CBB Past Picks
Remi—our in-house AI—prices every game and prop using multi-season priors, tempo/efficiency, injury/usage signals, and market movement.
We publish fair prices, recommended “buy-to” numbers, and confidence so you can bet prices, not teams.
This preview covers Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. New Mexico State Aggies on January 08, 2026 at Pan American Center.
Odds shown reflect widely available numbers and may update closer to kickoff.
Want more? Check live edges, player props, and line moves on our CBB odds pages, and compare prices before you place a bet.
|
CBB |
LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMI@ETNST | VMI +17.5 | 56.4% | 6 | WIN |
| HOLY@LEHIGH | HOLY +125 | 44.6% | 1 | WIN |
| MIAMI@WAKE | MIAMI +100 | 54.3% | 4 | WIN |
| CHARLO@UTSA | CHARLO -4.5 | 54.0% | 3 | WIN |
| ARK@OLEMISS | MISS +4 | 54.3% | 4 | LOSS |
| SOILL@UIC | SOILL -1.5 | 56.8% | 6 | LOSS |
| BGREEN@KENTST | KENTST -1.5 | 56.6% | 6 | WIN |
| EMICH@BALLST | BALLST -118 | 56.6% | 5 | LOSS |
| FRESNO@SJST | SJST -1 | 55.0% | 4 | LOSS |
| DUKE@LVILLE | LVILLE -110 | 54.2% | 4 | LOSS |
| BAMAST@ARKPB | BAMAST -102 | 53.2% | 3 | LOSS |
| NWESTST@NICHOLLS | NWESTST +8.5 | 54.1% | 3 | WIN |
| LIU@CHIST | LIU -7.5 | 53.2% | 1 | WIN |
| STONEH@WAGNER | STONEH +8.5 | 54.6% | 4 | WIN |
| MOUNT@QUINN | MOUNT +9 | 57.8% | 7 | LOSS |
| LATECH@WKY | WKY -9 | 54.6% | 4 | LOSS |
| DUKE@FSU | FSU +16 | 54.1% | 2 | WIN |
| BC@GATECH | BC +7 | 54.9% | 4 | LOSS |
| KANSAS@UCF | UCF +5.5 | 54.9% | 4 | WIN |
| BRYANT@MAINE | BRYANT -1 | 55.6% | 5 | WIN |
| MISSST@TEXAS | TEXAS -8.5 | 56.3% | 6 | LOSS |
| UNC@SMU | SMU +1.5 | 56.6% | 6 | WIN |
| WCU@FURMAN | WCU +9.5 | 57.2% | 7 | WIN |
| LONGWD@HIGHPT | LONGWD +17 | 57.7% | 7 | WIN |
| TEXSOU@SOUTHERN | TEXSOU +6.5 | 57.8% | 7 | LOSS |
| SJST@UTAHST | UTAHST -20.5 | 58.2% | 8 | LOSS |
| OREGST@PACIFIC | OREGST +4.5 | 56.1% | 6 | LOSS |
| ND@CAL | CAL -4 | 56.6% | 6 | LOSS |
| OREG@MD | OREG -1 | 52.6% | 1 | WIN |
| GASOU@COASTAL | GASOU +1.5 | 57.0% | 6 | WIN |
| TNTECH@ARKLR | ARKLR -109 | 55.3% | 5 | WIN |
| SDAK@NDAKST | SDAK +11.5 | 53.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| BUCK@HOLY | HOLY +3 | 53.0% | 3 | WIN |
| RICE@TULSA | TULSA -12.5 | 53.4% | 3 | WIN |
| DEPAUL@NOVA | DEPAUL +12.5 | 54.0% | 3 | WIN |
| NEVADA@COLOST | COLOST -125 | 58.7% | 7 | LOSS |
| FSU@UNC | UNC -14.5 | 54.8% | 4 | LOSS |
| BUTLER@CREIGH | BUTLER +6 | 53.3% | 3 | WIN |
| SANFRAN@OREGST | SANFRAN -4.5 | 56.4% | 6 | LOSS |
| NEAST@ELON | NEAST +5 | 54.8% | 4 | LOSS |
| STPETE@FAIR | FAIR -2 | 55.3% | 5 | LOSS |
| DETROIT@YOUNG | DETROIT +10 | 55.4% | 5 | WIN |
| SUTAH@UTTECH | SUTAH +8.5 | 55.6% | 6 | LOSS |
| BELMONT@INDST | BELMONT -7 | 55.7% | 6 | LOSS |
| NORFLK@UL | NORFLK +2.5 | 54.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| NOVA@SETON | SETON +1.5 | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| UT-ARL@ORU | UT-ARL -3.5 | 54.1% | 3 | WIN |
| UTTECH@CREIGH | UTTECH +20.5 | 54.6% | 4 | LOSS |
| ILL@MIZZOU | MIZZOU +10.5 | 54.0% | 4 | LOSS |
| UMBC@SFLA | SFLA -21.5 | 53.5% | 2 | WIN |
| MEMP@MISSST | MISSST -3 | 53.8% | 3 | WIN |
