The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-2) and the No. 18 Purdue Boilermakers (4-1) battle in the Battle 4 Atlantis at Imperial Arena at Atlantis Resort. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 23, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Preview
The last time the Boilermakers played, they lost a close one to the Tennessee Volunteers, 78-75. Purdues Vincent Edwards had 11 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in the game. Tennessee held the Boilermakers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 38.1). Purdue, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (21-25; 84.0 percent).
The Hilltoppers are trying to rebound after their 66-58 loss to the No. 5 Villanova Wildcats in their last game. With 12 points and 10 rebounds, Dwight Coleby put together a solid outing for Western Kentucky. Villanovas free throw rate was their largest advantage over Western Kentucky. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.123 (below their season average of 0.209), while the Hilltoppers posted a mark of 0.056 (below their season average of 0.392).
Western Kentucky might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the NCAAs best defenses. Since last season, Purdue ranks 27th in defensive efficiency while the Hilltoppers rank 213th in offensive efficiency.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Purdue, ATS Winner – Purdue, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Boilermakers rank 225th in steals per game (5.5) while the Hilltoppers rank 272nd (4.8).
- Purdue averages 18.6 assists per game, which ranks second in the NCAA. Western Kentucky ranks 240th in assists allowed per game (14.4).
- The Boilermakers rank 110th in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while the Hilltoppers rank 275th (18.4).
- Purdue ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 141st (34.7).
