It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-8, 1-2 CUSA) welcome the FIU Golden Panthers (11-6, 2-2 CUSA) to E.A. Diddle Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019, and will air on beIN Sports.
FIU Golden Panthers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Prediction
In the Golden Panthers’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Old Dominion Monarchs, 75-74. Old Dominion’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Monarchs had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. six), defensive rebounds (31 vs. 24) and total rebounds (47 vs. 30). Brian Beard Jr. was the game’s high scorer with 28 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
The Hilltoppers lost a close one to the Marshall Thundering Herd in their last matchup, 70-69. One of Marshall’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 13-16 (81.3 percent), while the Hilltoppers were 10-14 (71.4 percent). Western Kentucky’s Charles Bassey had 16 points and eight rebounds in the contest.
After the Hilltoppers won the sole game against the Golden Panthers last season, 83-76, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Hilltoppers knocked down 28 of their 39 free throws (71.8 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.0 vs. 22.9).
It might be a sloppy game for the Western Kentucky offense. Western Kentucky ranks 271st in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the gambling defense of FIU forces the third-most turnovers in the country (26.8 percent).
FIU vs. Western Kentucky ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – FIU, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
FIU ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.7) while Western Kentucky ranks 278th (15.9).
The Hilltoppers rank 69th in rebounds allowed per game (33.3) while the Golden Panthers rank 263rd (44.6).
FIU ranks 43rd in assists per game (15.9) while Western Kentucky ranks 195th (11.8).
The Hilltoppers average 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the country. The Golden Panthers rank 142nd in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
FIU averages 11.9 steals per game, which ranks first in the country. Western Kentucky ranks 95th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Panthers have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. For the season, FIU has defeated opponents by an average of 7.9 points.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (5.2 below their season average).
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