It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (11-10, 4-4 CUSA) welcome the UTSA Roadrunners (12-9, 6-2 CUSA) to E.A. Diddle Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
UTSA Roadrunners vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Free Prediction
In the Roadrunners’ last game, they beat the Old Dominion Monarchs, 74-73. UTSA’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Old Dominion. The Roadrunners had a rate of 11.9 (better than their season average of 14.9), while the Monarchs posted a mark of 14.3. With 29 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Keaton Wallace was the game’s high scorer.
The Hilltoppers lost to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in their last game, 62-50. Louisiana Tech’s turnover percentage was the team’s largest strength over Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs posted a mark of 12.0 (better than their season average of 14.9), while the Hilltoppers had a rate of 24.6 (above their season average of 18.5). With 16 points on 4-for-5 shooting, Charles Bassey was Western Kentucky’s high scorer.
After the Roadrunners won the only contest against the Hilltoppers last season, 74-63, these teams will clash for the first time this year. UTSA had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.5 vs. 24.4). Western Kentucky, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.8 vs. 15.3).
The physical Western Kentucky offense seems poised to dominate from the free throw line. The Hilltoppers currently rank 61st in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.274, while UTSA is among the NCAA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 232nd-ranked FTA rate of 0.243). Also, the Roadrunners rank 57th in turnover percentage (16.9 percent), while the Hilltoppers rank 253rd in opponents’ turnover percentage (18.0 percent).
UTSA vs. Western Kentucky Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – UTSA, ATS Winner – UTSA, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UTSA ranks 35th in three pointers attempted per game (26.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 282nd (16.5).
The Hilltoppers rank 97th in rebounds allowed per game (33.7) while the Roadrunners rank 265th (39.4).
Western Kentucky ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.2) while UTSA ranks 151st (2.6).
The Roadrunners rank 31st in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Hilltoppers rank 117th (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Roadrunners’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 3.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 66.4 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (4.8 below their season average).
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