The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (10-6, 3-1 CUSA) welcome the Old Dominion Monarchs (6-10, 2-1 CUSA) to E.A. Diddle Arena. The Monarchs look to snap a five-game road losing streak. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Old Dominion Monarchs at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Odds
In their last game, the Hilltoppers beat the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, 69-53, while the Monarchs were beaten by the Charlotte 49ers, 53-47.
Western Kentucky dominated nearly every facet of the contest. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.340 (above their season average of 0.278) and a turnover percentage of 18.6 (worse than their season average of 16.6). Middle Tennessee was 0.170 and 23.5, respectively, for those same stats. Old Dominion, meanwhile, forced Charlotte into a turnover percentage of 22.7 (above their season average of 18.7). Western Kentucky was lifted by Taveion Hollingsworth, who put up 18 points and five rebounds. Aaron Carver played a key role for Old Dominion with nine points and nine rebounds.
The Monarchs dominated this series last year, taking all three contests. In the last game, Old Dominion won 62-56. Old Dominion had a better effective field goal percentage (0.457 vs. 0.385). Western Kentucky, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.308 vs. 0.155). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Second-chance points could be hard to come by for Western Kentucky in this battle. The Hilltoppers are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 266th in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.5 percent. Meanwhile, Old Dominion ranks eighth in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 78.6 percent. Also, the Monarchs, who rank 320th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.176), could struggle to get to the line against the Hilltoppers, who rank 23rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.157).
Old Dominion Monarchs at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Old Dominion ranks 68th in rebounds per game (38.4) while Western Kentucky ranks 154th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
- The Hilltoppers rank 187th in assists per game (11.9) while the Monarchs rank 241st (9.4).
- Old Dominion and Western Kentucky rank 26th in steals allows per game (5.2).
- The Hilltoppers rank 36th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Monarchs rank 119th (3.8).
- Western Kentucky ranks 179th in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while Old Dominion ranks 249th (18.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
- The Monarchs have outscored opponents by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Old Dominion has been defeated by an average of 1.3 points.
