The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-6, 7-1 CUSA) head to FAU Arena to challenge the Florida Atlantic Owls (12-9, 4-4 CUSA). The Hilltoppers will try to lengthen their five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Florida Atlantic Owls ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Owls were beaten by the Old Dominion Monarchs, 65-55, while the Hilltoppers were victorious over the Marshall Thundering Herd, 91-84.
Western Kentucky played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.1 (better than their season average of 17.2) and a free throw rate of 0.270 (matching their season average). Marshall was 18.0 and 0.182, respectively, for those same stats. Florida Atlantic, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (6-7; 85.7 percent). Florida Atlantic rallied around Jailyn Ingram, who recorded 16 points and seven rebounds. Taveion Hollingsworth fueled Western Kentucky with 18 points and six assists.
The Hilltoppers won the only game between these two teams last season, 72-66. Making free throws was one of Western Kentucky’s largest advantages. They were 18-21 (85.7 percent), while the Owls were just 4-7 (57.1 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Getting to the line could be few and far between for Florida Atlantic in this battle. The Owls currently rank 265th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.201, while Western Kentucky ranks 17th in FTA rate allowed (0.158). Moreover, the Hilltoppers, who rank 277th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.2 percent), could struggle to get put-back points against the Owls, who rank 35th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Florida Atlantic Owls Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Kentucky ranks 43rd in blocks per game (4.5) while Florida Atlantic ranks 201st (2.0).
- The Owls rank 116th in rebounds per game (36.7) while the Hilltoppers rank 163rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
- The Owls rank 49th in three pointers attempted per game (25.6) while the Hilltoppers rank 198th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
- Western Kentucky ranks 40th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Florida Atlantic ranks 95th (6.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Owls have been outscored by an average of 7.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Florida Atlantic has defeated opponents by an average of 3.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 75.0 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (5.3 below their season average).
