Can the Aggies Conquer the Hilltoppers' Turf at E. A. Diddle Arena?

As the New Mexico State Aggies prepare to face off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at E. A. Diddle Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can maintain their competitive edge on foreign hardwood.

The Aggies have shown a mixed bag of performances in their recent outings, with a narrow loss to Tulsa's Golden Hurricane (59-65) and a heart-wrenching defeat against Stephen F. Austin's Lumberjacks (72-75). However, they managed to secure a victory over New Mexico's Lobos (72-73), showcasing their ability to bounce back and fight for every point.

Analyzing past games reveals that while the Aggies have struggled with turnovers, averaging around 17 per game, they've compensated with solid two-point shooting percentages hovering above 50 percent in two out of three games and an impressive free throw completion rate of 68 percent against the Lobos.

Defensively, they've been consistent in blocking shots and making steals but will need to tighten up as they allowed an average of over 70 points across these matches. Rebounding has been another strong suit for them; however, it was notably less effective against the Lobos where they only grabbed 30 rebounds compared to their opponents' 37.

The venue could play a significant role as E. A. Diddle Arena is known for its vibrant atmosphere which might challenge the Aggies' focus and composure. The key for them will be managing ball possession better than in previous games while maintaining defensive intensity throughout both halves.

Fans can catch this thrilling encounter on February 17th at 8 PM GMT on ESPN+, where we'll see if New Mexico State can harness their strengths and minimize mistakes away from home soil.