Offense meets defense when the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (11-5, 3-0 CUSA) travel to Old Dominion to take on the Monarchs (12-3, 3-0 CUSA). The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018, and will air on beIN Sports.
Old Dominion is a 2.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 136.5 points.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Prediction
In the Hilltoppers’ last outing, they dismantled the Marshall Thundering Herd, 112-87. The Hilltoppers had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 44.1 (above their season average of 29.6) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.674 (above their season average of 0.546). Darius Thompson played a massive role in the victory for Western Kentucky, collecting 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on his way to his zeroth triple-double of the season.
The Monarchs edged the North Texas Mean Green in their last game, 63-60. Old Dominion’s 14.2 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over North Texas, who had a rate of 18.4. The Monarchs’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.3. Trey Porter was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
Old Dominion figures to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this meeting. The Monarchs rank 71st in offensive rebounding percentage (33.5 percent), while Western Kentucky ranks 252nd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.4 percent). Also, the Hilltoppers rank 56th in offensive efficiency (113.3), while the Monarchs rank 19th in defensive efficiency (92.0).
Western Kentucky holds records of 11-5 straight up (SU) and 10-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hilltoppers’ 14 games that accepted bets, eight have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Old Dominion is 12-3 SU and 6-7 ATS. Coinciding with Western Kentucky, Monarchs games also have typically finished over the projected point total (61.5 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Taveion Hollingsworth (16.4 points and 1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Hilltoppers while Ahmad Caver (19.2 points, 7.2 assists and 2.6 steals) has made great contributions to the Monarchs.
After the Monarchs won both contests against the Hilltoppers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Old Dominion won 67-53. The Monarchs had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 27.8) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.518 vs. 0.388).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Old Dominion, ATS Winner – Old Dominion, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Western Kentucky is 6-1 ATS on the road with 4 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Old Dominion is 3-1 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Old Dominion ranks 30th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Western Kentucky ranks 149th (35.6).
The Monarchs rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Hilltoppers rank 114th (3.9).
Old Dominion ranks 70th in assists per game (15.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 162nd in assists allowed per game (14.2).
The Monarchs rank 209th in three pointers attempted per game (19.4) while the Hilltoppers rank 263rd (15.4).
Old Dominion allows the 16th-fewest steals per game (4.7) while Western Kentucky ranks 56th (5.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Western Kentucky is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Old Dominion is 1-3 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.2, up from 9.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Monarchs have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
