The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (16-10, 9-4 CUSA) welcome the UAB Blazers (15-11, 7-6 CUSA) to E.A. Diddle Arena as the regular season comes to a close. Action begins at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
UAB Blazers at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Hilltoppers defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 71-63, while the Blazers beat the Marshall Thundering Herd 77-68.
The Blazers had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 15.2) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7 (above their season average of 31.7). The Hilltoppers, on the other hand, had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.561 (above their season average of 0.506) and had a turnover percentage of 12.7 (better than their season average of 17.9). Western Kentucky’s Jared Savage led the way, recording 16 points and 11 rebounds. UAB, meanwhile, was led by Makhtar Gueye, who put up 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Hilltoppers took this series last year, taking two out of three games. In the last contest, Western Kentucky won 98-70. The Hilltoppers’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Blazers. Western Kentucky had a rate of 7.7, while UAB posted a mark of 15.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Western Kentucky figures to have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Hilltoppers currently rank 94th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.487), while UAB is 204th in effective field goal percentage (0.507). Additionally, the Blazers, who rank 304th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.195), will square off against the Hilltoppers, who rank 19th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.173).
UAB at Western Kentucky Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Kentucky ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.2) while UAB ranks 186th (2.3).
- The Blazers rank 237th in three pointers attempted per game (20.0) while the Hilltoppers rank 283rd (17.6).
- The Blazers rank 74th in rebounds per game (37.2) while the Hilltoppers rank 146th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
- UAB ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Western Kentucky ranks 91st (6.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (6.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
- The Blazers have been outscored by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. On the season, UAB has defeated opponents by an average of 2.9 points.
