The North Texas Mean Green (20-4, 8-3 CUSA) close out their home schedule at The Super Pit against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-10, 7-4 CUSA). Action begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at North Texas Mean Green ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Mean Green had no trouble getting past the Marshall Thundering Herd 78-51, while the Hilltoppers beat the Rice Owls 92-85.
The Hilltoppers held the Owls to an effective field goal percentage of 0.455 (below their season average of 0.519) and had a turnover percentage of 15.5 (better than their season average of 17.9). North Texas, meanwhile, out-rebounded Marshall. The Mean Green had 18 offensive rebounds and 55 total rebounds, while the Thundering Herd had five and 30, respectively. North Texas was led by Roosevelt Smart, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Josh Anderson had a good game for Western Kentucky, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds.
The Hilltoppers won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 102-94. One of Western Kentucky’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 48 trips to the line, while North Texas went just 13 times. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
North Texas could have difficulty getting to the free throw line in this showdown. The Mean Green currently rank 282nd in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.201, while Western Kentucky ranks 26th in FTA rate allowed (0.177).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. North Texas Mean Green Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – North Texas, ATS Winner – North Texas, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Texas ranks 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while Western Kentucky ranks 275th (17.4).
- The Mean Green average 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 53rd in the NCAA. The Hilltoppers rank 119th in rebounds allowed per game (34.3).
- Western Kentucky averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 79th in the country. North Texas ranks 92nd in steals allowed per game (6.0).
- The Hilltoppers rank 15th in blocks per game (5.1) while the Mean Green rank 166th (2.5).
- North Texas ranks 15th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Western Kentucky ranks 145th (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mean Green’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, down from 12.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
