New Mexico St. @ Washington St. preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 23, 2018 ) Washington St. 72, New Mexico St. 75

Washington State takes care of the ball better than anyone in the nation despite a hiccup in its last game as it meets reigning Western Athletic Conference champion New Mexico State on Saturday in Spokane, Wash. The Cougars, who commit only nine turnovers per game after recording a season-high 16 in Wednesday's 78-65 victory at Idaho, lost to the Aggies twice last season.

Washington State fell at New Mexico State 69-63 and 22 days later in the Las Vegas Classic 75-72 despite a combined 38 points from CJ Elleby. The Cougars have attempted 97 more field goals than their opponents this season thanks in part to a plus-7.4 turnover margin that ranks third in the country. The Aggies held off UTEP 59-56 on Tuesday despite not making a field goal in the final 6 minutes, 3 seconds. Senior guard Trevelin Queen paces New Mexico State with 15 points per game but was held to two points on 1-for-8 shooting.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network

ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE (5-4): Queen (2.4 assists) also shares the club rebounding lead with junior Johnny McCants at 5.3 per game. Sophomore guard Jabari Rice (12.3 points) scored 10 against UTEP and has averaged six rebounds over his last four games, raising his season number to 3.9. Senior forward C.J. Bobbitt (6.9 points) scored a season-high 14 points Tuesday, including four free throws in the final 55 seconds.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (4-4): Elleby, a sophomore guard, averages 20.1 points despite tying a season low with 10 versus Idaho and also paces the club with 6.1 rebounds per game. Junior forward Tony Miller has totaled 28 points with 11-for-13 shooting in 33 minutes over his last two games after the junior college transfer scored six in a combined 27 minutes over his first four contests. Senior guard Jaylen Shead matched a career high with nine assists while recording six points, eight rebounds and three steals Wednesday.

TIP-INS

1. The Cougars average 18 points off turnovers.

2. The Aggies boast a plus-6.3 rebounding margin while Washington State is minus-1.4.

3. The Cougars are 17-17 in games played at Spokane.

PREDICTION: Washington State 65, New Mexico State 64