The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (22-9, 14-4 CUSA) meet the UAB Blazers (20-12, 11-8 CUSA) in the Conference USA Conference Tourney at Ford Center at The Star. The game is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
UAB Blazers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Prediction
In the Blazers’ last contest, they beat the Florida Atlantic Owls, 83-72. The Blazers, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.545, had a ridiculous mark of 0.600 and held the Owls to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 29.6). Chris Cokley was a key piece for UAB with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hilltoppers’ last game was against the Blazers. The Blazers won 101-73. The Blazers had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.742 vs. 0.484) and had a better turnover percentage (14.2 vs. 17.5). Zack Bryant was a standout player in the game, producing 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. With the win, the Blazers evened the season series at one game apiece.
This battle pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Western Kentucky currently ranks 45th in offensive efficiency and UAB ranks 60th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Blazers rank 252nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.220), while the Hilltoppers rank sixth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.168).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Zack Bryant (15.0 points, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals) has been great for the Blazers while Lamonte Bearden (11.8 points and 1.8 steals) has made great contributions to the Hilltoppers.
UAB Blazers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UAB, ATS Winner – UAB, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
UAB ranks 11th in assists per game (17.2) while Western Kentucky ranks 194th in assists allowed per game (14.1).
The Hilltoppers rank 46th in steals per game (7.4) while the Blazers rank 201st in steals allowed per game (7.0).
UAB ranks 40th in rebounds per game (38.4) while Western Kentucky ranks 140th (35.5).
The Hilltoppers rank 195th in three pointers allowed per game (22.6) while the Blazers rank 294th (26.2).
UAB ranks 71st in blocks per game (3.9) while Western Kentucky ranks 128th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Blazers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 8.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 80.6 points per game (1.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
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