A look at the matchup between the Lobos and Utah State

Today, the Pit, 9 p.m. TV: ESPNU (Comcast 281, Dish 141, DirecTV 208); Radio: 770 AM, 94.5 FM; Line: UNM -8½

What you need to know about the Aggies: USU was hurt by UNM’s Tim Williams (30 points) in their first meeting, but still won. The key tonight for USU might be finding a way to stop Elijah Brown, assuming Brown doesn’t stop himself again with foul trouble. Brown’s 15 minutes in the first game were the fewest he’s played in two seasons as a Lobo. Aggies guard Koby McEwen is the leading candidate for Mountain West freshman of the Year and his 17.1 points per league game is ninth in the MWC (he’s also the only freshman to rank in the top 20).

What you need to know about Lobos: UNM’s Jan. 4 road loss to Utah State in Logan had some bright spots (Tim Williams’ 30 points), but also saw Xavier Adams go down for the season with a torn ACL, Jordan Hunter not play due to an ankle injury and Elijah Brown playing just 15 minutes due to foul trouble. Hunter’s return may be most important this go-round for UNM as the Aggies doubled Williams in the second half off the point guard. Hunter is a capable outside shooter that could prevent USU from electing to leave the PG spot open again.