A five-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-8, 7-3 CUSA) when they go head-to-head against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (17-5, 8-2 CUSA) at E.A. Diddle Arena. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, 2020, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Hilltoppers fell to the FIU Panthers, 81-76, while the Bulldogs won a close one over the Old Dominion Monarchs, 76-73.
The Bulldogs knocked down 19 of their 23 free throws (82.6 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.570 (above their season average of 0.541). Western Kentucky, meanwhile, did a great job of getting and making free throws (20-26; 76.9 percent). Josh Anderson led the way for Western Kentucky, recording 14 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech was led by DaQuan Bracey, who contributed 18 points.
The Bulldogs won the lone game between these two teams last year, 62-50. The Bulldogs’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Hilltoppers. Louisiana Tech had a rate of 12.0, while Western Kentucky posted a mark of 24.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It will be a battle of conflicting paces as the fast-breaking Hilltoppers will look to push the more grind-it-out Bulldogs. The Hilltoppers currently rank 100th in possessions per game while the Bulldogs are 242nd. Furthermore, 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 vs. Western Kentucky Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Louisiana Tech, ATS Winner – Louisiana Tech, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- 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 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Hilltoppers rank 63rd (2.9).
- Louisiana Tech is 17th in the NCAA with 4.9 steals allowed per game while Western Kentucky is 41st with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
- 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 nation. Western Kentucky ranks 170th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 5.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (5.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
