Preview: New Mexico Lobos at San Diego State Aztecs

SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A key Mountain West women’s basketball matchup features two of the conference’s top teams when the San Diego State Aztecs host the New Mexico Lobos on Wednesday afternoon at Viejas Arena.

Both teams enter with 12-win seasons, but the Aztecs (12-3) hold a slight edge in momentum, riding a seven-game winning streak. The Lobos (12-5) look to rebound after a 70-61 home loss to Nevada this past Saturday that snapped a three-game win streak.

The contest pits two of the league’s standout guards against each other. San Diego State is led by Naomi Panganiban, who is coming off a 23-point, 4-assist performance in a narrow 73-72 road win at Utah State. Over her last six games, Panganiban is averaging 15.3 points and has scored in double figures in five of those contests.

New Mexico will counter with Destinee Hooks, who scored 13 points in the loss to Nevada. Hooks has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in five of her last six outings, including an 11-point effort in a dominant 89-51 win at San Jose State on Jan. 3.

The Aztecs have been formidable at home this season, with notable non-conference victories over Kansas State and a 30-point rout of Boise State in league play. Their defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to 55 points or fewer in three of their last five games.

The Lobos have shown resilience on the road, with a signature early-season win at Arizona. However, they have struggled against top-tier conference competition, falling to Nevada and UNLV in recent weeks. Containing Panganiban and the Aztecs’ balanced attack, which saw Nala Williams add 11 points and 4 assists against Utah State, will be a primary challenge.

San Diego State won both meetings last season. Wednesday’s result will provide early positioning in a competitive Mountain West race.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.