The Western Kentucky women’s basketball team heads west for a pair of Conference USA games, visiting UTEP at 8 p.m. on Thursday before heading to New Mexico State at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

WKU (14-5 overall, 5-2 Conference USA) brings plenty of momentum, riding a five game win streak, but will have to endure the lengthiest trip in conference play against two teams that are .500 overall, but have been much better at home. UTEP enters the week 9-9, 6-3 in El Paso. New Mexico State is 10-10, but 6-2 at home.

WKU women’s basketball coach Greg Collins said it makes for a challenging road trip.

“UTEP is a lot better with their home record than their road record,” Collins said. “New Mexico State, Molly (Kaiser) is leading the league in scoring and shooting the ball really well. Both really different, but really good defensive teams. UTEP is doing a great job of affecting the pace of the game. New Mexico State is just going to guard the pants off you. While they are different, they both accomplish the same goal – making points hard to come by, even harder at their own place.”

Points may be hard to come by on both sides of the ball, with WKU finding its defensive stride during the current win streak. The Lady Toppers have allowed 62 points or less in all five games, including twice holding opponents under 50 points. WKU is currently second in points allowed in conference play, trailing only Middle Tennessee.

“It will be a battle of wills, who is able to impose their will and the style of game,” Collins said. “How the game is played and who is able to do the simple things well. Who is able to be fundamental. Who is able to take care of the ball. Who is able to get quality shots. Those types of things.”

Offensively, WKU is second overall in scoring – using a balanced attack that has averaged a league-best 16.79 assists per game.

“For the most part, the ball doesn’t stick for us a whole lot,” Collins said. “Occasionally, but not often. I think that is why we have had that kind of balance. As long as you don’t care who gets the credit, then there is no limit to what you accomplish together.”

The balance has come from a deeper roster that has played a part in the recent success. Newcomers Caleigh Rose-West, Mya Pratcher and Salma Khedr have all had significant moments in the past five games. Sophomore guard Mackenzie Chatfield stepped in for Acacia Hayes, who was unavailable for Saturday’s win, and recorded her first career double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Collins said on Tuesday that Hayes is expected to be available again this week.

“It has taken a little time for everybody to grow, kind of settle into what we do and their role,” Collins said. “They’ve all come in and played good roles for us. We need to continue to do that, especially on the road. You never know who is going to end up in foul trouble or if somebody gets sick or doesn’t feel well and is not able to go full speed. We need that depth.”

Thursday’s game will be a reunion of sorts for senior Mariama Sow, who played 22 games at UTEP last season.

“I know she wants to do well, regardless of whether it is UTEP or New Mexico State,” Collins said. “I know she will be excited to get back and do well in front of her former team, but ultimately I know she just wants to do well.”