Not only does Matt Sonnenberg has a way with words and stories, add headlines to his harvest. Matt also extends a challenge.

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Jason Groves says the Chairmen of the Boards will win the New Mexico State - Indiana pairing. Jason also writes about not getting Chili hot.

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Jerit Roser surveys the steps forward taken by the Louisiana Tech basketball program in 2011-12.

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Chris Murray's latest looks at one primary benefit for Nevada in joining the Mountain West Conference. Chris also notes a report on teams wishing to gain entry to the Mountain West Conference - Conference USA amalgamation.

So, when it's Thursday night in Las Cruces

... Hawaii comes into town to match up with New Mexico State. Make that the 7-3 Aggies versus the 6-4 Rainbow Warriors so there are definite end-of-the-season finish implications for the contest.

UH owns a January 21 91-87 victory over Marvin Menzies' team, this despite committing 21 turnovers. In that win, Zane Johnson went for 29 points (7-13 on treys) plus Davis Rozitis totaled nine points and five boards in 14 minutes. But Johnson's shooting accuracy has been way off of late -- just 21% from long distance in the last quartet of games.

In that loss, Bandja Sy busted out for 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead NMSU in both categories. Hamidu Rahman followed with 16 points (contrast that with Vander Joaquin's 11).

Hawaii is coming off a 94-79 road loss to Montana while host New Mexico State handled Drake 71-55.

In weighing the remainder of the regular season, the Aggies host San Jose State next and then road it at Nevada followed by Fresno State.

Gib Arnold's group moves on to Ruston after this one and then returns home to face surging Idaho and then Utah State.

Calling it a critical game for both teams is a bit of an overstatement but the victor will certainly gain an advantage in the standings.

Thursday's report on the Wednesday night games + previews

Well, well, well, it was a 3-0 WAC Wednesday evening

The Tempe-ture on the Arizona State campus is reaching boiling after Fresno State took down the Sun Devils 68-65, based on a 42-point second half. Kevin Olekaibe seemingly secured the WAC Player of the Week honor with his 30 point (based on 19 shots) performance. The soph backcourter also nabbed five rebounds and a pair of steals, alongside zero turnovers.

Jack Magruder reports from Tempe.

Robert Kuwada provides an account.

Robert also looks at who's #2 in an interesting piece.

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It was 82-62 after forty minutes in Las Cruces, with New Mexico State downing McNeese State. Wendell McKines came close to a double-double-double with 23 points and 17 boards.

Teddy Feinberg checks in.

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Utah State wreaked damage of Biblical proportions on St. Peter to the tune of 72-47. A 41-17 initial 20 minutes sent the Peacocks to the pearly gates. Morgan Grim's 17/10 double-double paced the hosts.

Kraig Williams, Shawn Harrison, Tony Jones and Matt Sonnenberg serve up game accounts.

Craig Peterson offers 29 game photos. 

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As for tonight:

San Jose State is at UC Riverside.

Louisiana Tech tackles Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Idaho is on the road in Green Bay to take on the Packers Phoenix.

Nevada hosts Portland.

Chris Murray offers his usual look at the matchup and prediction plus a second feature.

Utah State welcomes Kent State.

Hawaii goes up against visiting Auburn.

Dayton Morinaga previews. Jeff Portnoy predicts all the opening round contests.

Thursday's WAC hoop-itude

Chris Murray writes about senior Olek Czyz and his last go-around this coming season.

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Robert Kuwada offers the latest on Fresno State basketball.

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Tony Jones has Brockeith Pane as the Aggie triggerman in a different Aggie offensive style in 2011-12.

C'mon Stew, make Utah State opponents fear the beard.

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Jason Groves has an article plus a blog entry on the exhibition win for New Mexico State.

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Dayton Morinaga is starting an "Ask Coach Arnold" series so all those posting questions on the various MBs need to jump on this.