The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-3) will travel to the Thomas M. Ryan Center to meet the Rhode Island Rams (6-3). Action gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Rhode Island Rams Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Rams defeated the Providence Friars 75-61, while the Hilltoppers beat the Arkansas Razorbacks 86-79.
Western Kentucky dominated every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.284 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.3 (above their season average of 27.5). Arkansas put up marks of 0.209 and 23.8, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Rhode Island played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.254 (above their season average of 0.234) and a turnover percentage of 17.6 (worse than their season average of 16.1). For those same stats, Providence had marks of 0.092 and 23.8, respectively. Cyril Langevine had a good outing for Rhode Island with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky rallied around Taveion Hollingsworth, who recorded 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Since last season, a focal point for the Western Kentucky offense has been to get to and convert from the free throw line. The Hilltoppers rank 15th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.280), but Rhode Island has been among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 52nd by yielding a FTA rate of 0.236).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Rhode Island Rams ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Rhode Island ranks 36th in steals per game (7.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 117th (6.8).
- The Hilltoppers rank 206th in three pointers attempted per game (18.2) while the Rams rank 233rd (18.5).
- Western Kentucky ranks 132nd in assists per game (12.4) while Rhode Island ranks 158th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
- The Hilltoppers average 36.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 141st in the country. The Rams rank 212th in rebounds allowed per game (35.4).
- Western Kentucky ranks 32nd in blocks per game (5.1) while Rhode Island ranks 95th (3.8).
