The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-8, 7-3 CUSA) welcome the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (17-5, 8-2 CUSA) to E.A. Diddle Arena as they look to lengthen their five-game home winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last matchup, they beat the Old Dominion Monarchs, 76-73. One of Louisiana Tech’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Monarchs were just 16-25 (64.0 percent). Louisiana Tech was lifted by DaQuan Bracey, who was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
The Hilltoppers were beaten by the FIU Panthers in their last contest, 81-76. FIU’s 0.576 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Western Kentucky, who had a rate of 0.452. The Panthers’ mark was above their season average of 0.536, while the Hilltoppers’ was below their season average of 0.529. With 14 points and 10 rebounds, Western Kentucky’s Josh Anderson put together a solid game.
After the Bulldogs won the lone contest against the Hilltoppers last season, 62-50, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Bulldogs had a much better turnover percentage (12.0 vs. 24.6) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 23.3).
It will be a matchup of conflicting paces as the fast-breaking Hilltoppers (ranked 100th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the slower-paced Bulldogs (242nd in possessions per game). Moreover, the Bulldogs rank 291st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.196), while the Hilltoppers rank seventh in opponents’ FTA rate (0.150).
Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Louisiana Tech, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Louisiana Tech averages 24.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 83rd in the country. Western Kentucky ranks 217th in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
The Bulldogs rank 50th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while the Hilltoppers rank 137th (12.7).
Louisiana Tech averages 37.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 93rd in the NCAA. Western Kentucky ranks 170th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
The Bulldogs rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Hilltoppers rank 63rd (2.9).
Louisiana Tech is 17th in the nation with 4.9 steals allowed per game while Western Kentucky is 41st with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.2, down from 13.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
