The Oklahoma State Cowboys (21-14) challenge the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (26-10) in the NIT at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The game will air on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Free Prediction
The Hilltoppers will be looking for a similar result after topping the USC Trojans in their last matchup, 79-75. The Hilltoppers made 16 of their 17 free throws (94.1 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (above their season average of 29.8). With 23 points on 8-for-14 shooting, Justin Johnson was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Cowboys played, they were victorious over the Stanford Cardinal, 71-65. Oklahoma State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Stanford. The Cowboys had a rate of 7.0 (better than their season average of 16.0), while the Cardinal posted a mark of 21.3 (above their season average of 18.0). Jeffrey Carroll was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
Oklahoma State should have an edge on the offensive glass in this contest. The Cowboys rank 33rd in offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 percent), while Western Kentucky ranks 199th in defensive rebounding percentage (71.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Justin Johnson (19.2 points and 11.6 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Hilltoppers while Jeffrey Carroll (15.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals) has made solid contributions to the Cowboys.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Oklahoma State Cowboys ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Oklahoma State, ATS Winner – Oklahoma State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oklahoma State ranks 97th in three pointers attempted per game (23.6) while Western Kentucky ranks 312th (15.3).
The Hilltoppers rank 49th in steals per game (7.3) while the Cowboys rank 151st in steals allowed per game (6.3).
Oklahoma State averages 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. Western Kentucky ranks 134th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
The Cowboys rank 119th in assists per game (14.2) while the Hilltoppers rank 180th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
Western Kentucky ranks 144th in rebounds per game (35.7) while Oklahoma State ranks 201st in rebounds allowed per game (35.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.2, up from 8.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cowboys have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (4.9 below their season average).
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