The Old Dominion Monarchs (25-6, 16-3 CUSA) meet the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (23-9, 15-4 CUSA) in the Conference USA Conference Tourney at Ford Center at The Star. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Prediction
The Hilltoppers come in on a high note after blowing out the UAB Blazers in their last game, 98-70. The Hilltoppers had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 7.7 (better than their season average of 15.2), while the Blazers had a free throw rate of 0.169 (below their season average of 0.220). Western Kentucky received a boost from Justin Johnson, who put up 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The last time the Monarchs played, they beat the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 62-58. The Monarchs made 16 of their 19 free throws (84.2 percent) and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.459 (below their season average of 0.525). B.J. Stith was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
Western Kentucky could struggle to create turnovers. Old Dominion ranks 23rd in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.6 percent), while Western Kentucky forces the 138th-most turnovers (19.4 percent). Moreover, the Hilltoppers’ 33rd-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.8) will go head-to-head against the Monarchs’ 11th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 94.5).
Lamonte Bearden has averaged 14.4 points, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Western Kentucky.
The Hilltoppers have won both games against the Monarchs this season, including a 22-point blowout in their last matchup. The Hilltoppers made 13 of their 18 free throws (72.2 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.7 vs. 14.2). Johnson recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Old Dominion, ATS Winner – Old Dominion, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Old Dominion averages 15.2 assists per game, which ranks 69th in the nation. Western Kentucky ranks 180th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
The Monarchs rank 206th in three-pointers attempted per game (20.2) while the Hilltoppers rank 297th (15.3).
Old Dominion ranks 49th in blocks per game (4.3) while Western Kentucky ranks 113th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
The Monarchs are 10th in the NCAA with 4.6 steals allowed per game while the Hilltoppers are 45th with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
Old Dominion averages 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 60th in the NCAA. Western Kentucky ranks 77th in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, down from 8.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Monarchs have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
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