The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-6) will be at Dale F. Halton Arena to go head-to-head with the Charlotte 49ers (3-8) in a CUSA matchup. Action starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Charlotte 49ers ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last matchup. The 49ers lost to the Chattanooga Mocs, 80-69, while the Hilltoppers lost big to the 25th-ranked Washington Huskies, 73-55.
Western Kentucky had a better effective field goal percentage (0.425 vs. 0.438) while Charlotte did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (17-23; 73.9 percent). Jon Davis played well for Charlotte with 31 points. Meanwhile, Charles Bassey led the way for Western Kentucky, putting up 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hilltoppers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent contest, Western Kentucky won 93-55. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Western Kentucky’s largest advantages. They had 30 free throw attempts, while Charlotte had just eight. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Taveion Hollingsworth has really been playing well as of late for Western Kentucky, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
A focal point for the Charlotte offense is getting to the free throw line. The 49ers rank 43rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.282), but Western Kentucky is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 50th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.186).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Charlotte 49ers Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Charlotte, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Western Kentucky averages 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the country. Charlotte ranks 116th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Hilltoppers rank 181st in assists per game (12.1) while the 49ers rank 236th (9.0).
- Charlotte ranks 239th in three pointers attempted per game (18.6) while Western Kentucky ranks 264th (15.1).
- The Hilltoppers rank 146th in rebounds per game (35.8) while the 49ers rank 247th (30.4).
- Western Kentucky averages 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 55th in the nation. Charlotte ranks 153rd in steals allowed per game (7.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hilltoppers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 0.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the 49ers have scored an average of 58.4 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
