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A glass-half-full view for Aggie optimists: Despite all its struggles to date, Utah State is only three games behind the current Mountain West Conference co-leaders.

As for half-empty? Well, currently sitting at the bottom of the conference table is a solid place to start. And unfortunately for the Aggies, it's about to get more difficult. Riding a three-game losing streak, USU (8-10, 2-5) hits the road Tuesday, traveling to face New Mexico (12-8, 5-3) in Albuquerque.

Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. MST on ESPNU.

The Aggies are already 0-3 on the road in MWC play this year, but have had success in one of the toughest environments in conference play in The Pit.

USU is 6-3 all-time at New Mexico and has won three of its last five in Albuquerque. Most recently, the Aggies topped the Lobos 63-60 two seasons ago. Prior to its recent skid, USU snapped a previous three-game losing streak on Jan. 4 by beating New Mexico, 79-75, at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan.

The loss to USU was the first of an eventual three-game losing streak for the Lobos, who have since rebounded. New Mexico has topped Colorado State and Boise State on the road and recently beat Wyoming at home. The Rams handed USU its third-straight loss in Logan on Saturday night, 64-56.

Should the Aggies find their first conference road win of the year, they'll have to manage a way to keep New Mexico's Tim Williams in check. The 6-foot-8 senior forward is averaging over 18 points and seven rebounds per game.

In USU's win over the Lobos three weeks ago, Williams broke out for 30 point on 13-of-18 shooting. Combo guard Elijah Brown, who was saddled with foul trouble in the loss in Logan, has helped shoulder the load for New Mexico, averaging over 18 points a game.

The Aggies lead the MWC in 3-point field goal percentage (.395) during conference play, but struggled mightily from behind the arc in the loss to Colorado State Saturday. USU shot 3 of 19 from distance.

A testing week doesn't end in New Mexico, either.

USU hosts Fresno State Saturday at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs just topped conference co-leader Nevada in Reno, 81-76, over the weekend.

ckamrani@sltrib.com Twitter: @chriskamrani —

Utah State at New Mexico

P At The Pit, Albuquerque, N.M.

Tipoff • 9 p.m. MST

TV • ESPNU

Radio • 610 AM, 1280 AM, 102.1 FM

Records • Utah State 8-10, 2-5 MWC; New Mexico 12-8, 5-3

Series history • Utah State leads 22-8

Last meeting • USU won 79-75, Jan. 4 in Logan

About the Aggies • USU is riding its third three-game losing streak of the season. … The Aggies have yet to win an MWC road game. … USU last won a road game at UVU on Dec. 10. … Senior forward Jalen Moore has scored in double figures in 31 straight games. … Since being inserted in the starting lineup, freshman Sam Merrill is averaging 13.6 points per game. … USU is 6-3 all-time at New Mexico.

About the Lobos • New Mexico has won three straight after enduring a three-game losing streak of its own. … The Lobos are tied for second place in the MWC. … After hosting USU, the Lobos visit Nevada (Saturday) and UNLV (Feb. 1). … New Mexico averages nearly 77 points per game, led by Elijah Brown (18.2 PPG) and Tim Williams (18.1 PPG).