The Marshall Thundering Herd (12-6, 5-0 CUSA) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (9-9, 2-3 CUSA) at E.A. Diddle Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, January 21, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Free Prediction
The Thundering Herd come in on a high note after defeating the FIU Golden Panthers in their last outing, 105-97. The Thundering Herd knocked down 23 of their 30 free throws (76.7 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.641 (above their season average of 0.520). Marshall received a boost from Jon Elmore, who contributed 29 points and six assists.
The last time the Hilltoppers took the floor, they beat the Florida Atlantic Owls, 72-66. The Hilltoppers knocked down 18 of their 21 free throws (85.7 percent), while the Owls had a turnover percentage of 19.2 (above the 15.7 mark opponents have averaged against Western Kentucky this season). Taveion Hollingsworth was the game’s top scorer with 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting from the field.
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of Western Kentucky. Western Kentucky ranks 281st in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the pesky defense of Marshall forces the 40th-most turnovers in the country (22.8 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Taevion Kinsey scored a game-high 23 points and the Thundering Herd beat the Hilltoppers 70-69. He also put up seven rebounds. Marshall did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (13-16; 81.3 percent). Western Kentucky, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 vs. 24.2).
Marshall Thundering Herd at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Marshall, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Marshall ranks 30th in blocks per game (4.7) while Western Kentucky ranks 118th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Thundering Herd’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (2.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (5.3 below their season average).
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