The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (24-9, 16-4 CUSA) clash against the Marshall Thundering Herd (23-10, 14-6 CUSA) in the Conference USA Conference Tourney at Ford Center at The Star. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Free Prediction
The last time the Thundering Herd played, they beat the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 85-75. The Thundering Herd knocked down 21 of their 25 free throws (84.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 22.0). With 26 points on 7-for-13 shooting, Jon Elmore was Marshall’s leading scorer.
The Hilltoppers beat the Old Dominion Monarchs in their last game, 57-49. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Western Kentucky’s biggest advantages. They had 26 free throw attempts, while Old Dominion had 20. Justin Johnson led Western Kentucky in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
Western Kentucky does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 28th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.290), but Marshall is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 36th by allowing an FTA rate of 0.190).
Johnson has averaged 17.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Western Kentucky.
The Hilltoppers have emerged victorious in both contests against the Thundering Herd this year, including an 11-point victory in their last matchup. The Hilltoppers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 12.8) and had a much better free throw rate (0.317 vs. 0.188). Dwight Coleby recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Marshall ranks 10th in three-pointers attempted per game (28.3) while Western Kentucky ranks 296th (15.3).
The Hilltoppers rank 86th in rebounds allowed per game (33.4) while the Thundering Herd rank 289th (40.5).
Marshall averages 17.4 assists per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. Western Kentucky ranks 175th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
The Thundering Herd rank fifth in blocks per game (6.0) while the Hilltoppers rank 136th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Western Kentucky ranks 48th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Marshall ranks 161st (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Thundering Herd’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
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