The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team knows it will be getting more than a mediocre opponent tomorrow when it hosts New Mexico State.

"Talent-wise, that's probably the best team that will come in here," Hawai'i senior guard Riley Luettgerodt said. "They're big, they're athletic and they got depth. They're a really good team."

The Rainbow Warriors will host the Aggies in a Western Athletic Conference game at 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Hawai'i, which split its road games in the state of Idaho last week, is 8-11 overall and 4-3 in the WAC.

The Aggies have an 11-11 overall record, but have been dealing with suspensions and ineligible players all season. Still, they beat first-place Utah State, 100-70, last Saturday to move into third place in the WAC at 5-2.

"They had some guys missing at the beginning of the year, and they brought in a new coach, so there were obviously some adjustments," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "But I think they've made those adjustments and what you're seeing now is the New Mexico State team everybody expected — the team that was picked to win the WAC."

This week has followed a familiar theme for the Aggies. First-year head coach Marvin Menzies announced yesterday that freshman guard Jahmar Young will be suspended for tomorrow's game.

Young, who sat out the first 12 games of the season waiting to become eligible, is averaging 11.2 points per game. He scored 33 points in a 76-73 victory at Boise State on Jan. 10.

Every other key New Mexico State player is expected to play tomorrow ... at least as of last night.

And as Bob Nash put it: "They have a lot of skilled athletes. Not just athletes, skilled athletes. They have a threat at every position. They can go inside, they can go outside. They're just a very dangerous team that's hard to match up with."

It starts with Justin Hawkins, a 6-foot-7 senior forward who is averaging 17.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He was a first-team All-WAC selection last season.

But New Mexico State is most excited about the recent addition of touted recruit Herb Pope. The 6-8 freshman forward became eligible two weeks ago.

In his first three collegiate games, Pope averaged 10.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He will likely start at a forward spot tomorrow.

"We can't match up with their guys in a one-on-one battle," Nash said. "We're going to have to do it as a team. It's going to come down to how strong and how willing are our guys to stay in the system and do the things we practice every day, and not get caught up in (New Mexico State's) game."

The Aggies also recently welcomed back 6-11 center Hatila Passos from an academic-related suspension that cost him six games in December and January. He is averaging 10.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

His back-up — 6-11 Martin Iti — scored 29 points on 14-of-16 shooting in two victories over Hawai'i last season.

"They got some serious big guys," said P.J. Owsley, who is Hawai'i's tallest starter at 6-8. "We're just going to have to play smart, make some outside shots and maybe pull them away from the basket."

Bob Nash is hoping the 'Bows can neutralize the Aggies with a patient and proficient offense. In short, Hawai'i shooters Luettgerodt, Matt Gibson, Bobby Nash and Jared Dillinger will have to be on target to take down the Aggies.

"As far as athleticism, we know we don't match up," Luettgerodt said. "So we just have to do the little things to stay in the game. If we box out, grab rebounds, make open shots, and play good team defense, we can hang in there with any team, especially here at home."

FANS ENCOURAGED TO WEAR WHITE TOMORROW

Tomorrow's game is being marketed as another "White-Out," so fans are being asked to wear white shirts.

The White-Out games started in 2002, and were designated for big games during those first few years. In recent years, the UH marketing department has added Green-Out and Green & White games.

Hawai'i has lost the last four White-Out games, including a 71-68 loss to New Mexico State last season, and a 79-77 loss to Illinois in November.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.