The Valparaiso Crusaders (1-0) take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-1) in the at HTC Center. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 15, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Prediction
The last time the Crusaders played, they thoroughly outplayed the Concordia University (IL) Cougars, 121-65. The Crusaders had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.151) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.705 vs. 0.370). With 22 points on 7-for-8 shooting, Javon Freeman-Liberty was the top scorer from either team.
The Hilltoppers were victorious over the UT Martin Skyhawks in their last outing, 86-71. The Hilltoppers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.7 vs. 26.8) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.562 vs. 0.492). Taveion Hollingsworth was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Western Kentucky takes on the stingy defense of Valparaiso. Since the 2017-18 season, the Hilltoppers rank 50th in offensive efficiency, while the Crusaders are 37th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Crusaders rank 41st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.280), while the Hilltoppers rank 14th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.175).
Valparaiso vs. Western Kentucky ATS Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Valparaiso ranks 40th in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 185th (22.4).
The Hilltoppers rank 45th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Crusaders rank 162nd (6.3).
Valparaiso ranks 48th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Western Kentucky ranks 148th (3.4).
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