The West Virginia Mountaineers (1-1) take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-1) in the at HTC Center. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, November 16, 2018.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers ATS Prediction
The Hilltoppers will be looking for similar success after beating the Valparaiso Crusaders in their last matchup, 83-71. The Hilltoppers had a much better free throw rate (0.377 vs. 0.230) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.8 vs. 32.5). Western Kentucky received a boost from Taveion Hollingsworth, who had 23 points and nine rebounds.
In the Mountaineers’ last matchup, they dismantled the Monmouth Hawks, 71-53. The Mountaineers had a much better free throw rate (0.500 vs. 0.196) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 28.9). With 14 points and eight rebounds, Sagaba Konate put together a solid performance for West Virginia.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the NCAA’s top offenses face off. Since the 2017-18 season, West Virginia ranks 35th with 113.5 points per 100 possessions and Western Kentucky is 40th (112.7). Additionally, the Hilltoppers have been among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 32nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.283). The Mountaineers, meanhwile, rank 345th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.311).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
West Virginia ranks 58th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while Western Kentucky ranks 323rd (15.5).
The Mountaineers average 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the country. The Hilltoppers rank 141st in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
West Virginia averages 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 70th in the nation. Western Kentucky ranks 177th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
The Mountaineers rank 18th in steals per game (8.0) while the Hilltoppers rank 67th (7.1).
West Virginia averages 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 55th in the NCAA. Western Kentucky ranks 92nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.6).
*****
