Saint Mary’s Gaels at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Prediction 12/22/18

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The Saint Mary’s Gaels (8-5) will travel to E.A. Diddle Arena to square off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-6). Action starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Odds

In their last matchup, the Hilltoppers were blown out by the 25th-ranked Washington Huskies, 73-55, while the Gaels had no trouble getting past the McNeese State Cowboys, 87-65.

Saint Mary’s played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 7.1 and a free throw rate of 0.167. McNeese State was 16.8 and 0.119, respectively, for those same stats. Western Kentucky, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.425 vs. 0.438). Western Kentucky was led by Charles Bassey, who put up 11 points and 12 rebounds. Malik Fitts, meanwhile was a key piece for Saint Mary’s with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The Gaels’ Jordan Ford has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Taveion Hollingsworth has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Hilltoppers.

Saint Mary’s could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Gaels currently rank eighth in offensive efficiency while Western Kentucky ranks 271st in defensive efficiency.

Saint Mary’s Gaels at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Saint Mary’s ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while Western Kentucky ranks 181st (24.0).
  • The Gaels rank 11th in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while the Hilltoppers rank 104th (34.3).
  • Western Kentucky ranks 40th in steals per game (7.9) while Saint Mary’s ranks 126th (5.9).
  • The Hilltoppers rank 23rd in blocks per game (5.1) while the Gaels rank 154th (2.2).
  • Saint Mary’s ranks 31st in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 156th (14.3).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, down from 11.1 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.0 points per game (4.1 below their season average).