The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (8-17, 5-7 CUSA) will be at E.A. Diddle Arena to clash with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (15-10, 8-4 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Hilltoppers barely escaped the North Texas Mean Green, 62-59, while the Blue Raiders fell to the Old Dominion Monarchs, 55-50.
The Hilltoppers knocked down 15 of their 17 free throws (88.2 percent) and held the Mean Green to an effective field goal percentage of 0.396 (below their season average of 0.535). Middle Tennessee, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 20.8). Charles Bassey had a good outing for Western Kentucky with 18 points and seven rebounds. Antonio Green, meanwhile led the way for Middle Tennessee, recording 13 points and six rebounds.
The Blue Raiders dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent matchup, Middle Tennessee won 82-64. Middle Tennessee made nine of their 20 three pointers (45.0 percent), while Western Kentucky was just 2-10 (20.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Points at the line might be few and far between for Middle Tennessee in this meeting. The Blue Raiders rank 258th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.210, while Western Kentucky ranks 21st in FTA rate allowed (0.173).
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Kentucky ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.1) while Middle Tennessee ranks 153rd (2.8).
- The Hilltoppers rank 204th in assists per game (12.2) while the Blue Raiders rank 254th (10.8).
- Middle Tennessee ranks 200th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6) while Western Kentucky ranks 245th (25.1).
- The Hilltoppers average 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. The Blue Raiders rank 181st in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
- Western Kentucky ranks 87th in steals per game (6.8) while Middle Tennessee ranks 200th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 2.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Blue Raiders have scored an average of 64.8 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (9.4 below their season average).
