The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (13-5, 5-0 CUSA) will try to prolong their six-game winning streak against the UAB Blazers (13-5, 4-1 CUSA) at E.A. Diddle Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 148 points with Western Kentucky opening as a 7.5-point favorite.
UAB Blazers at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Free Prediction
In the Blazers’ last matchup, they topped the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 74-62. The Blazers forced 18 turnovers and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.460 (below their season average of 0.534). With 24 points on 11-for-17 shooting, Chris Cokley was the top scorer from either team.
The Hilltoppers defeated the Charlotte 49ers in their last matchup, 73-63. The Hilltoppers held the 49ers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.4 (below their season average of 27.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.362 (below their season average of 0.494). With 10 points and 12 rebounds, Dwight Coleby put together a solid game for Western Kentucky.
It could be a difficult game for Western Kentucky on the offensive glass. The Hilltoppers are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 161st in offensive rebounding percentage at 30.1 percent. Meanwhile, UAB ranks 36th in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.3 percent.
UAB holds records of 13-5 straight up (SU) and 7-5 against the spread (ATS). It’s tough to find a trend for Blazers games in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Western Kentucky owns records of 13-5 SU and 11-5 ATS. Of the Hilltoppers’ 16 games with betting action, 9 have finished over the total.
Several players have played well over the last five games for Western Kentucky. Darius Thompson has led the way, averaging 20.8 points, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Justin Johnson (18.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks) and Coleby (14.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks) have also been impressive.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last contest, the Hilltoppers won 76-64. Western Kentucky had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.8 vs. 20.8). UAB, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (12-16; 75.0 percent).
UAB Blazers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UAB, ATS Winner – UAB, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
UAB is 4-3 ATS on the road with 4 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Western Kentucky is 4-3 ATS at home with 4 overs and 3 unders.
UAB ranks sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while Western Kentucky ranks 113th (34.3).
The Blazers rank 27th in assists per game (17.0) while the Hilltoppers rank 131st in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Western Kentucky ranks 156th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8) while UAB ranks 231st (25.1).
The Blazers rank 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Hilltoppers rank 114th (3.9).
Western Kentucky ranks 52nd in steals per game (7.3) while UAB ranks 107th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, UAB is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
Western Kentucky is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Blazers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.4, down from 13.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 82.2 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
