It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Rice Owls (9-14, 4-6 CUSA) welcome the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (13-10, 6-4 CUSA) to Tudor Fieldhouse. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Rice Owls Betting Prediction
In the Hilltoppers’ last game, they beat the UTEP Miners, 76-59. The Hilltoppers had an absurd free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.276) and held the Miners to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.1 (below their season average of 28.4). Charles Bassey played well for Western Kentucky, putting up 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Owls were beaten by the Old Dominion Monarchs in their last outing, 80-76. Old Dominion won the rebounding battle. The Monarchs had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. nine), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 24) and total rebounds (40 vs. 33). With 12 points and 10 rebounds, Rice’s Jack Williams had a good game.
After the Hilltoppers won the lone contest against the Owls last season, 85-66, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Hilltoppers made nine of their 12 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.3 vs. 27.8).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Rice Owls Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Rice ranks 55th in three pointers attempted per game (25.7) while Western Kentucky ranks 284th (17.0).
The Hilltoppers rank 83rd in rebounds per game (37.3) while the Owls rank 177th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Western Kentucky ranks 16th in blocks per game (5.0) while Rice ranks 102nd (3.3).
The Owls average 13.7 assists per game, which ranks 124th in the nation. The Hilltoppers rank 138th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.8 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
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