WKU Basketball Roundtable: Predictions for NMSU
Simple question, but a complicated answer: Who comes out on top in Thursday’s matchup between WKU and NMSU in Huntsville?
Western Kentucky Men’s Basketball may be on a four game skid, but expectations are still sky high in Bowling Green, especially given last night’s upset by Middle Tennessee over Louisiana Tech. Middle plays the winner of WKU and NMSU, so now you’ve got the “distraction” factor to account for as both programs can dream big if they can just get past this one.
WKU fans are still predicting left and right that they think the Tops cut down nets in Huntsville.
But there’s also good reason. WKU Basketball has shown at times that it could be unstoppable if everything clicks into place.
As we progress through these rounds, the pressure mounts, and the opponents get better and more determined. No team remaining in the tournament is playing bad basketball, so everybody better bring it.
WKU (19-11, 8-8 CUSA)seemingly has a decent draw against New Mexico State for its quarterfinal matchup against the six seed.
Predictions
Matt McCay
Since the draw came out Saturday afternoon, I have felt good about it. Well, part of the reason is the first game. You can’t enjoy your draw if you don’t win the first one. Well, it’s not a foregone conclusion given WKU’s recent slide and the fact the Tops lost one of their two against New Mexico State.
However, if I were handpicking a team WKU should have their best chance to get out of their funk, I would pick NMSU away from La Cruces. NMSU is a team that struggles to score. They play most of their games in the 50s and 60s, and WKU is virtually incapable of scoring in the 50s. WKU averages 80, meaning for NMSU to have a chance, they’ve got to keep WKU at or under 70, and WKU still could simply outscore them. I like the matchup. I’m not ignorantly confident, but I feel solid that WKU should win going away. Tops 81-NMSU 64
Casey Richards
After such a crazy conference season, I’m not really too sure what to expect in the first round. Western Kentucky had a very up and down conference season and looked like the best team in Conference USA up until they lost four games in a row to end the season. On the other hand, New Mexico State had a disappointing season, but possibly exceeded expectations given the fact that they basically had to start from scratch. Neither team wants to go home in the first round and I’m sure both coaches will have their teams fired up as they head into Huntsville.
My prediction for Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State in the first round of the Conference USA tournament is going to be 78-65 WKU. In my opinion, Western Kentucky just has more depth and talent than New Mexico State. New Mexico State isn’t a bad team at all, and I could very well be wrong, but this really seems to be a bad matchup for the Aggies and it’s very hard to see them knocking Western Kentucky out in the first round. WKU really should’ve won both times these two teams played but ultimately fell asleep in the second half in Las Cruces in a 23-point comeback win for the Aggies. Ultimately, it will most likely be a great game and I can’t wait to watch it in person!
David McCay
For both teams and fan bases, this question needs to be answered: Who will make Huntsville their home court? MTSU did it twice. Sam Houston did it, too. WKU must come out like they are in Diddle Arena and play fast but under control. The Hilltoppers must take and make good shots and come out and pound the ball inside scoring and drawing fouls.
I see Western doing this to the tune of 90-65. Western has the potential to “run a team out of the gym.” Plus the WKU fans must be loud and proud creating a real home atmosphere. Go Tops!!! Beat Aggies.
Bret Combest
I’ve got WKU going all the way, which means I’ve got WKU beating NMSU. I’m just fired up to be here in Huntsville. I think WKU brings a big crowd, we rock this arena, and we get it done and set up a dream game Friday against Middle Tennessee. Let’s go Tops!