The Old Dominion Monarchs (6-10, 2-1 CUSA) will attempt to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (10-6, 3-1 CUSA) at E.A. Diddle Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Old Dominion Monarchs vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Prediction
In the Monarchs’ last matchup, they were topped by the Charlotte 49ers, 53-47. Charlotte’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Old Dominion. The 49ers had a rate of 0.244 (below their season average of 0.295), while the Monarchs posted a mark of 0.077 (below their season average of 0.182). Aaron Carver had a good performance for Old Dominion, contributing nine points and nine rebounds.
The Hilltoppers beat the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their last game, 69-53. The Hilltoppers had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.340 (above their season average of 0.278), while the Blue Raiders had a turnover percentage of 23.5 (above their season average of 17.1). Taveion Hollingsworth was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the field.
After the Monarchs won all three games against the Hilltoppers last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, Old Dominion won 62-56. Old Dominion’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Western Kentucky. The Monarchs had a rate of 0.457 while the Hilltoppers posted a mark of 0.385.
It might be a tough game for Western Kentucky on the offensive glass. The Hilltoppers rank 266th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.5 percent), while Old Dominion ranks eighth in defensive rebounding percentage (78.6 percent). Furthermore, the Monarchs, who rank 320th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.176), will square off against the Hilltoppers, who rank 23rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.157).
Old Dominion vs. Western Kentucky ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Old Dominion ranks 68th in rebounds per game (38.4) while Western Kentucky ranks 154th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
The Hilltoppers rank 36th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Monarchs rank 119th (3.8).
Western Kentucky ranks 179th in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while Old Dominion ranks 249th (18.0).
The Hilltoppers rank 187th in assists per game (11.9) while the Monarchs rank 241st (9.4).
Old Dominion and Western Kentucky rank 26th in steals allows per game (5.2).
The Monarchs have outscored opponents by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Old Dominion has lost by an average of 1.3 points.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
