The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-7, 1-1 CUSA) will be at the Henderson Center to challenge the Marshall Thundering Herd (9-6, 2-0 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Marshall Thundering Herd ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Thundering Herd edged the Charlotte 49ers, 85-84, while the Hilltoppers lost a tough one against the Old Dominion Monarchs, 69-66.
Marshall’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Charlotte. The Thundering Herd had a rate of 5.2 (better than their season average of 14.2), while the 49ers posted a mark of 22.6 (above the 19.1 mark opponents have averaged against Marshall this season). Western Kentucky, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (13-17; 76.5 percent). Marshall’s C.J. Burks played well, putting up 25 points. Charles Bassey, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Western Kentucky with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hilltoppers edged out the Thundering Herd in this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the last contest, Marshall won 67-66. Marshall had a better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 13.4). Western Kentucky, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (17-21; 81.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Marshall could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Marshall ranks 16th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.3 percent), while Western Kentucky forces the 85th-fewest turnovers (17.8 percent). Also, the Hilltoppers are among the country’s best at getting to the line, ranking 47th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.283). The Thundering Herd, meanhwile, rank 315th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.284.
Western Kentucky at Marshall Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Marshall, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Marshall ranks 26th in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while Western Kentucky ranks 263rd (15.9).
- The Thundering Herd rank 22nd in steals per game (8.7) while the Hilltoppers rank 79th (7.0).
- Marshall averages 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 101st in the country. Western Kentucky ranks 107th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
- The Hilltoppers rank 84th in rebounds allowed per game (33.7) while the Thundering Herd rank 233rd (39.5).
- Marshall averages 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 32nd in the country. Western Kentucky ranks 102nd in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 0.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Thundering Herd have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (7.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 83.4 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
