The Rice Owls (5-21, 2-11 CUSA), who are currently on a five-game skid, will attempt to get back in the win column when they welcome the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (19-7, 11-2 CUSA) to Tudor Fieldhouse. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 146.5 points with Western Kentucky opening as a 12-point favorite. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Rice Owls Odds Preview
In the Hilltoppers last matchup, they beat the North Texas Mean Green, 102-94. With 28 points and five rebounds, Western Kentucky’s Darius Thompson had a good game. The Hilltoppers made 37 of their 48 free throws (77.1 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.691 (above their season average of 0.537).
The Owls are trying to rebound after their 93-80 loss to the Marshall Thundering Herd in their last matchup. With 22 points and 13 rebounds, Malik Osborne put together a solid performance for Rice. Marshall had an effective field goal percentage of 0.675 (above their season average of 0.540). Rice, on the other hand, held the Thundering Herd to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.2 (below their season average of 23.5).
Rice might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the nations best defenses. Western Kentucky currently ranks 91st in defensive efficiency, while the Owls rank 327th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hilltoppers rank 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.295), while the Owls rank 52nd in opponents FTA rate (0.196).
This is the first time these teams will meet this year. The Hilltoppers won the lone contest played against each other last season, 79-72. The Hilltoppers played a flawless game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.304 and a great offensive rebounding percentage of 30.3. For those same stats, the Owls had marks of 0.236 and 25.0, respectively.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Rice Owls Free Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Hilltoppers rank 128th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2) while the Owls rank 228th (36.9).
- Rice ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 112th (3.5).
- Rice ranks 46th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Western Kentucky ranks 301st (15.2).
- The Hilltoppers rank 46th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Owls rank 182nd (7.2).
- Western Kentucky ranks 149th in assists allowed per game (13.6) while Rice ranks 261st (16.7).
Betting Trends:
- The Owls average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 7.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
